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.
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep History: The Official Cocktail Since 1938
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.
How to Make Mint Simple Syrup (The Secret to Perfect Juleps)
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.
Large Batch Mint Julep Recipe for Kentucky Derby Parties
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.
How Far Ahead Can You Make Mint Juleps? Make-Ahead Tips
Real talk: you can absolutely prep mint juleps in advance, but timing is everything.
- Your mint simple syrup is the MVP here—make it up to 2 weeks ahead and store it in the fridge (it actually gets more flavorful over time, like a fine wine developing complexity).
- For the bourbon-syrup mixture, you can batch that up to 24 hours before your Derby party and keep it chilled. But here’s the thing: don’t add ice or garnish until you’re ready to serve. Ice melts, mint wilts, and nobody wants a watery julep when the horses are charging down the homestretch.
- The sweet spot? Mix your bourbon and syrup in the morning, keep it cold, then assemble individual drinks with fresh ice and spanked mint right before guests arrive.
Pro tip: pre-crush your ice and store it in the freezer in sealed bags—it’s a total game-changer for party flow. This way, you’re sipping instead of bartending when the real action starts.
🏇 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.
