Whether you plan to enjoy the race from Churchill Downs or don anelaborate hatin the comforter of your own family , if you ’re watching theKentucky Derbythis Saturday , May 3 , you may discover yourself sip on a refreshing raft mint julep . But , why ?
The drinking — a cocktail traditionally composed of Bourbon dynasty , dough , water , and mint — has been a Kentucky favored since long before Churchill Downs came into romp . In fact , asfar back as 1816 , ash grey julep cups were given as prizes at Kentucky county fairs ( a alteration from the stuffed beast they offer today ) . And before that , a“julep ” was considered medicative — a drink that was prescribed for abdomen problems and tender throat .
Though mint juleps have likely been relish at the Kentucky Derby since the beginning — legendhas it that founder Meriwether Lewis Clark , Jr. , found hatful for cocktails when he founded the track in 1875 — the cocktail was n’t declare the “ official ” Derby drink until 1938 .
It was just a few years ago that the Derby swop to a more “ reliable ” version of the mint julep . For almost two decades , the 120,000 mint mint julep served at the races were made with Early Times liquor . free-base on the aging process , other Times is n’t considered Bourbon dynasty ( just “ Kentucky whisky ” ) in the U.S. In 2015 , they switched to Old Forester , which is also possess by the Brown - Forman Corporation .
Even with the switch to “ tangible ” bourbon , what most reveler actually get is theOld Forester Ready - to - serve well Cocktail mix , not a handcrafted mint mint julep — unless you ’re willing to pony up at least $ 1000 . For more than a decade , Brown - Forman has served a exceptional version of the drunkenness made with Woodford Reserve little batch bourbon . It ’ll set you back a chiliad , but hey , you get to keep the emerald - encrust pewter loving cup — and proceeds will benefit theBackside Learning Center , a nonprofit organization providing support and resources for racetrack workers and their home .
If you ’re face to drop even more Johnny Cash , there ’s also a$5000 translation of the drinkwhich get along in a gold loving cup with 44 crystals .
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A version of this account ran in 2016 ; it has been updated for 2025 .
