Last Updated on October 6, 2022 by The Noms
Need the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail? Here you go with this classic Mint Julep recipe!
In honor of the Kentucky Derby race, we celebrated by making our own Mint Juleps! The Mint Julep was first prescribed in 1784 for stomach issues, and in 1803 was described in a book in London as, “a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning.” In the nineteenth century juleps were made with both bourbon and Genever, an aged gin.
Mint Julep Cocktail
Churchill Downs has promoted Mint Juleps since 1938. Each year around 120,000 this classic mint julep recipe are served over the 2 day race period. That’s a lot! While Woodford Reserve is the official whiskey of the Kentucky Derby, we chose another Kentucky Bourbon, Knob Creek, which is one of our favorites. Also, try our brand new Mezcal version with our Mexican Mint Julep!
How Much Does it Cost for a Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby?
Well, about $1,000, and it’s made by Woodford Reserve. I don’t know about you, but I can make it much cheaper at home! So make this recipe!
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Rocks Glasses / Lewis Bag & Mallet (for that perfect crushed ice!)
What Ingredients are Needed for the Mint Julep?
- Bourbon
- Simple Syrup
- Mint
Cheers!
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Like this recipe? Try these below, too!
The Recap – A Port Wine Cocktail
Other Julep Recipes
- Orange Mint Julep – I’m Bored, Let’s Go….
- HIbiscus Honey Mint Julep – Honey and Birch
- Blackberry Lemon Mint Juleps – Striped Spatula
- Blueberry Mint Juleps – The Speckled Palate
- Strawberry Rhubarb Julep – Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Other Kentucky Themed Cocktails
- Kentucky Ale-8-One – Garden and Gun
- Kentucky Buck – Saveur
- Blackberry Sage Kentucky Mule – The Gastronom
- The Kentucky Maid – Food Republic
- Kentucky Corpse Reviver – Serious Eats

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep - A Bourbon Cocktail
A celebration cocktail for the Kentucky Derby or anytime for a refreshing drink. This classic mint julep recipe is a tasty one!
Ingredients
- mint sprig
- 5 mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup or .50 oz rich simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
Instructions
Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release the oils, rub the inside of the glass with them, place them in the bottom of the glass.
Fill glass with crushed ice.
Add in simple syrup, bourbon and fill the glass with ice until it mounds over the top.
Garnish with mint sprig.
Cheers!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 38.6gFiber: 2.3gSugar: 0gProtein: 1.1g
PIN THIS KENTUCKY DERBY MINT JULEP RECIPE FOR LATER!
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31 Days of Easy May Crafts and DIYs - craft push
Saturday 24th of April 2021
[…] Well this one is easy – learn to make a Mint Julep Cocktail today! […]
Bee
Thursday 25th of April 2019
I adore the layers of colors in this mint julep! It truly is a beautiful cocktail!
The 'Noms.
Thursday 25th of April 2019
Thanks! It's a great classic and a tasty one, cheers!
This Ole Mom
Tuesday 5th of May 2015
I would love to be sipping on one of those right now...yum!
The 'Noms.
Tuesday 5th of May 2015
It's so good!
sara
Tuesday 5th of May 2015
Yummmm! I remember drooling over your Instagram picture!!!!
The 'Noms.
Tuesday 5th of May 2015
Thanks! Hope you try one!
Sara Rae Hughes of Be Inspired Creative
Tuesday 5th of May 2015
I've never had one but that picture is making my mouth water for one!!! I love me some delicious whiskey so I bet this is amazing.
The 'Noms.
Tuesday 5th of May 2015
Bourbon is a little sweeter than whiskey, so it makes it a very smooth drink.