Swapping Wine for Juleps for the Kentucky Derby
With the Kentucky Derby this weekend get my recipes for mint syrup and for single-serve and batch mint juleps, whether you’re riding solo for derby weekend or hosting a Derby party.
Okay, real talk: after last night’s Wine Spectator Grand Tour, my palate needs a break. I love a good Bordeaux and will wax poetic about Willamette Valley Pinot Noir all day—but after tasting through several dozen wines in one evening, my taste buds are sending up white flags and begging for something different.
Enter: the Mint Julep—the icy, herbaceous, boozy balm my wine-worn soul needs. So, with the Kentucky Derby in full gallop this weekend, I’m switching gears from terroir to tradition.
A Very Chill(ed) Southern Classic
The Mint Julep isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a bit of history. While its roots stretch back to the 18th century, originally as a medicinal concoction (my kind of remedy), the julep became a Southern staple in the 19th century thanks to its refreshing simplicity and accessible ingredients.
But it wasn’t until 1938 that the Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs now serves nearly 120,000 juleps during Derby weekend alone, poured into frosty silver cups and garnished with fragrant mint.
Today, the Mint Julep is a spirited nod to Southern hospitality, old-school glamour, and drinking with flair.
First: Let’s Make the Mint Syrup
Fresh mint and sugar are key—but let’s make things easy and elegant with a homemade Mint Simple Syrup. It’s quick, fragrant, and makes every sip taste like spring in a cup.
Mint Simple Syrup (1:1:1)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, bruised
Instructions:
- Gently bruise the mint leaves with a muddler or back of a spoon—just enough to release their oils.
- Stir sugar and boiling water together until the sugar dissolves.
- Add mint leaves and steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Strain and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
The Classic Mint Julep
Single Serving
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz mint simple syrup
- Crushed ice (I use this pellet ice maker to make mine)
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour the syrup into a chilled julep cup (or rocks glass).
- Add bourbon and stir gently.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir again until the outside frosts.
- Garnish with a slapped mint sprig (yes, really—spank it to release the aroma) and slice of lime.
Sip and imagine yourself in a wide-brimmed hat yelling “Go, Baby, Go!” at a horse you picked based entirely on name vibes.
Hosting a Derby Party? Batch It!
This version scales beautifully for a crowd and lets you spend less time bartending, more time showing off your hat.
Mint Julep – Batch Recipe (Serves 8)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups bourbon
- ½ cup mint simple syrup (or to taste)
- Crushed ice
- Fresh mint sprigs and lime slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon and syrup in a pitcher and stir well.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Fill each cup with crushed ice, pour in 3 oz of the mixture, stir, and garnish.
🏇 Last Call
Wine will always be my first love—but even the most dedicated oenophile needs a palate swap now and then. Whether you’re betting on a long shot or just here for the minty refreshment, the Mint Julep is a Derby tradition worth adopting.