When the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” the 2026 Kentucky Derby, makes its 152nd Run for the Roses on Saturday May 2, it’s a sure bet that more than a few fans will be sipping mint juleps.
“The mint julep, with its frosty silver cup and fragrant bouquet of fresh mint, is one of the most iconic cocktails in American history,” Mint Julep Experiences says. The drink has been called the “quintessential Southern libation” and its association with the Kentucky Derby keeps it in the public consciousness each spring.
Mint juleps have been the “official drink of the Derby since 1938,” according to Louisville Tourism.
While Americans and fans of the Derby in general will sip on the drink each May, the cocktail has roots that go back to the Persian Gulf and ancient medicinal practices.
Here’s what to know about the mint julep and how to make one at home.
What time is the Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky Derby post time is set for 6:57 p.m. Saturday, May 2.
What’s the history of the mint julep?
The word “julep” has its origins in the Persian word gulab, meaning rosewater, according to Mint Julep Experiences.
“In ancient times, juleps were medicinal concoctions used to mask the bitter taste of medicine. By the 18th century, the concept of a julep had migrated to Europe and eventually to colonial America, where it began to take on a new identity,” the tour company explained.
“Many believe the origins of the julep can be traced to the early 1400s and ancient Arabia where rose petals were used instead of mint,” wrote Louisville Tourism guest contributor Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, of the Frazier History Museum. “The sugary drink was also used as a vehicle for medicines.”
Early versions in America included spirits such as rum and brandy, as well as bourbon.
Kentucky native Henry Clay is credited with introducing Washington, D.C., drinkers to the libation that included bourbon.
So mint juleps use bourbon, what else is in them?
Mint juleps require mint for the flavor, but Louisville Tourism says the classic drink requires the right kind of mint.
“There are over 600 varieties of mint, including orange, apple, pineapple, peppermint, and spearmint. The mint that should be used for mint juleps is one in the spearmint family, Mentha spicata,” Yates Brown Glisson wrote.
Louisville Tourism notes that even using spearmint can have variations.
“Some Kentuckians prefer the common spearmint variety, which has a milder taste than the Kentucky Colonel spearmint variety,” Yates Brown Glisson wrote, adding, “Your guests will certainly know the difference if you substitute peppermint, for instance, because they will be wondering why their lips and mouth are tingling and why the mint overpowers the drink.”
How do you make a mint julep?
Here are a few recipes that will set your Kentucky Derby Day off right:
Mint Julep recipe from Louisville Tourism
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together until the sugar has dissolved. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.
Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup halfway with crushed ice, adding 1 tablespoon of strained mint syrup and 2 ounces of Kentucky bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup.
Fill the cup with ice, packing it in tightly. “Spank” a large sprig of fresh mint between your hands to release the aromatics, then garnish your cup with it. Optional: dust with powdered sugar.
Liquor.com mint julep recipe
Make a Woodford Reserve mint julep
The traditional Derby Day cocktail, and a southern ritual crafted from bourbon, simple syrup and mint, according to the Kentucky-based distillery.
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with more ice, fresh mint, and powdered sugar.
Try the Four Roses Bourbon mint julep recipe
Four Roses Bourbon, based in Kentucky, offers its own take on the classic:
Muddle mint with simple syrup in julep cup. Add bourbon and crushed ice. Pack tight. Swizzle or stir until cocktail is well chilled. Add more ice to create a dome. Garnish.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What’s a mint julep? How to make the traditional Derby Day libation
Reporting by Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
