How to Make a Mint Julep

Some racing events have well-known drink traditions. Some drinks have even become associated with horse racing’s biggest events. At the Belmont Stakes the official drink is the Belmont Jewel. At the Preakness Stakes the official drink is the Black-eyed Susan. The most famous horse racing drink of them all is the Mint Julep. It is served every year at the Kentucky Derby.

You don’t have to make a trip to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs to enjoy your very own Mint Julep. Here’s a look at this iconic drink and a recipe that you can use at home. Enjoy the drink while you bet horses and the Kentucky Derby at your favorite online racebook.

The History of the Mint Julep

The actual history of the Mint Julep is unknown. Most drink historians agree that it originated in the southern United States, probably around the late 1700s. It was mentioned in literature around 1770, and there was even a fictional character named Mr Julip who was an alcoholic.

In 1774 the drink was referenced as a medical tonic. This was common for many alcoholic drinks of the time. There was a common perception that a swig or two of alcohol would repair many ailments. The mint in the Mint Julep probably aided in the drink being viewed as a tonic of sorts.

It is believed that Henry Clay, a senator from Kentucky, brought the drink to Washington where it soon became a staple of the bars which served the nation’s politicians. Clay may have also ultimately had something to do with the drink becoming a part of the Kentucky Derby tradition.

How the Mint Julep Became Identified with the Kentucky Derby

If you are lucky enough to visit the Kentucky Derby in person, you will encounter the legendary Mint Julep. The drink has been a part of the Kentucky Derby experience for almost as long as the race itself. It is served in many forms, with some drinks in the past costing $10,000!

In 1938 Churchill Downs made the Mint Julep the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It has grown in popularity with each year. Older Derby-weekend estimates often quoted approximately 120,000 juleps across Oaks and Derby days, rather than a verified current count for Derby day alone, and most of them are offered in special collectible glasses that are different each year.

For many years the official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep was made with Early Times bourbon due to a partnership between the brands. Today, it is also common to see the drink made from high end bourbon such as Maker’s Mark.

How to Make the Perfect Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

Few of us may have the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby live. We can still enjoy the taste of a Mint Julep in our own home with this simple recipe.

Ingredients for One Serving

• 2 oz bourbon (choose the exact bourbon expression you prefer)
• 4 mint leaves
• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 2 tsp of water

Preparation

1. Press the mint gently with the sugar and water in a glass or julep cup; avoid shredding the leaves
2. Fill the glass with cracked ice
3. Add bourbon and stir, allowing the glass to frost
4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve

Julep recipes vary in sweetener, mint quantity, bourbon and presentation. The measured sugar-and-water version here is one home recipe, not a requirement to reproduce a single official brand recipe. There are now specialized versions of the drink that usually make their appearance around the holidays.

The Mint Julep’s Place in Kentucky Racing Culture

The Mint Julep’s association with the Kentucky Derby runs so deep that the two are essentially inseparable in American popular culture. The drink has been the official cocktail of the Derby since 1938, and reported quantities should be tied to the particular Oaks-and-Derby weekend and source — a volume that requires careful advance preparation from Churchill Downs’ catering operations and a reliable supply of fresh Kentucky bourbon and mint. The silver or pewter julep cup, traditionally used to serve the cocktail, has itself become a collector’s item, with limited edition Derby julep cups released each year and eagerly sought by racing memorabilia enthusiasts.

The drink’s origins predate its association with Churchill Downs by generations. Mint juleps were documented in Virginia and the broader American South as early as the late eighteenth century, initially as a morning medicinal drink before evolving into a social cocktail. The pairing with horse racing reflects the deeper cultural connection between bourbon distilling, thoroughbred breeding, and the agricultural heritage of Kentucky — three industries that share the same Bluegrass soil and have shaped the state’s identity for centuries. For racing fans who want to explore this cultural heritage more deeply, our article on bourbon and horse racing betting traces the connection between Kentucky’s signature spirit and the sport that shares its home. And our guide to Black-eyed Susan covers the Preakness equivalent.

The Best Way to Enjoy Your Mint Julep at Home

A Derby gathering can include food, replays and conversation without a wager. If independently researching an account, use the online racebook comparison. We suggest Amwager. When the Kentucky Derby rolls around you will be all set to enjoy the day.

You don’t have to wait for the Kentucky Derby when you start betting horses online. There are many races each day to choose from, and you can even create your own special drink traditions.

Read more on Bourbon & Horse Racing Betting

The Derby’s 2026 home-party recipe uses simple syrup and a different mint quantity. Either approach needs clear measurements; do not replace sugar with the same volume of syrup without accounting for its sweetness and water.