The Kentucky Derby isn’t just the most thrilling two minutes in sports—it’s a time-honored tradition that marries the pomp of horse racing with the rich culinary culture of the South. Central to this celebration is the Mint Julep, a refreshing cocktail that has become synonymous with the Derby experience. Let’s dive into the charm of this classic drink and why it deserves a spot at your Derby Day celebration!(The video below was uploaded in 2019) 🙂
A Storied Sip of the South
The Mint Julep is much more than just bourbon, mint, and sugar; it’s a storied concoction, first recorded in 1793, that dates back to the 18th century. Originally a Persian medicinal elixir called a “golāb” (in Arabic “julab”), made with rose petals instead of mint, the julep has evolved into a symbol of Southern hospitality and grace. Made traditionally with four simple ingredients—crushed ice, fresh mint, sugar, and Kentucky bourbon—this cocktail’s simplicity belies its deep cultural significance and delightful taste. (Prior to the Civil War, due to the French bringing it over from France, it was made with old French Cognac and a float of Jamaican Rum…. and before that, in France, it was made with peach brandy.)
The Perfect Derby Day Ritual
At the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep is more than just a beverage; it’s a part of a larger spectacle. Served in iconic silver or pewter cups and garnished with a sprig of mint, sipping a Mint Julep at Churchill Downs is a ritual that connects everyone to the rich history of the races. The clink of ice in the metal cups mingles with the buzz of the crowd, creating an ambiance of excitement and anticipation.
How to Make Your Own Mint Julep
Making a Mint Julep at home (or as a pro working in a kick-ass bar!) is an easy way to bring a taste of the Derby into your living room (or bar-room). Here’s how you can make it:
1. Ingredients:
– 2½ oz. Kentucky bourbon
– 1 oz. simple syrup
– 8-10 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
– Plenty of crushed ice (and I do mean crushed, not pebbled or small cubes please)
2. Method:
Classic drink’s classic tools to make crushed ice. Shown: Lewis Bags, a white rubber mallet (Lowe’s), a Wood Mall (Czech Republic), and a folded old fashioned bank coin bag underneath the wood mall – the original Lewis bag – ultra-affordable, and easily available! You can use either the white rubber mallet or a wood mall. And either of the bag choices to make your crushed ice.
– In a julep cup or highball glass, lightly muddle (stir muddling is fine) the mint leaves with the simple syrup to release the oils from the microscopic mint gland tubules located on the underside of the leaves.
– Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice (use a mallet and a canvas bag to crush and “Frappé” the ice), pour in the bourbon, and stir well. Originally silver or pewter cups were used, and stirred until the outside of the cup frosted over.
– Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig.
– Optional: sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Embracing the Tradition
Whether you’re hosting a Derby party or simply enjoying the race from home, crafting the perfect Mint Julep is a wonderful way to participate in the festivities. It’s not only about the drink but also the experience—dressing up, placing a playful bet, or even hosting a hat contest can all add to the fun.
Why We Love It
Always Question The Preconceived Answers
BTW “Chlorophyll” found in greens including sweet peas, is not bitter. Pure chlorophyll is relatively tasteless, but plant-like. The old “chlorophyll is bitter” myth is the easy go-to answer without thinking or researching further. Whatever it is (most probably various things found in different bitter tasting plants) that makes certain plants taste bitter, it is not the chlorophyll.
The above 3 photos were taken by me at a magnification of 2,000X. You can see the oil droplets at the end of the tubules on the underside of the leaf. There were no tubules or oil visible anywhere on the tops of the leaves that I could see.
The Mint Julep, with its cool, crisp flavors, perfectly complements the excitement of the Kentucky Derby. It invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the company of friends and family. This Derby season, we raise our julep cups to tradition, camaraderie, and, of course, the incredible athletes—both equine and human—who make this event so spectacular.
So, dust off your julep cups, gather your ingredients, and get ready to toast to the Kentucky Derby! Whether you’re at the track or watching from afar, a Mint Julep in hand is the best way to feel a part of the action. Here’s to a safe race and a delightful Derby day!
Site Author, David Jonathan Curtis: David Jonathan Curtis, a seasoned professional in his fifth decade of bartending and bar management, began his career in Midtown Manhattan, NY, tending and managing bars before diving into Manhattan’s bustling nightlife scene. Over the years, he has mastered high-volume, high-pressure bartending as the lead bartender in both iconic Midtown clubs and Wall Street bars, generating over $1,350,000.00 annually in personal drink sales. He has since extended his expertise to establishments in Georgia and now Tampa, Florida. David’s roles as a Bartending Instructor at the American Bartending School in Tampa, while maintaining a second job bartending, and his years experience of managing bars, and working as a Brand Ambassador along with his extensive professional library of over 1,000 bartending books, highlight his dedication to continually refining his craft. He holds a diploma in Bar Management and is BarSmarts certified by Pernod Ricard.
