How To Make A Classic Mint Julep For The Kentucky Derby

Every year on the first Saturday in May, attention turns to the Kentucky Derby, one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the US, first run in 1875 at Churchill Downs. Often described as America’s closest equivalent to Royal Ascot, the Derby combines the best of horse racing, fashion, social tradition and a drinks culture that’s all about the Mint Julep, the event’s official cocktail since the 1930s. It’s America’s Derby-day answer to a Pimm’s Cup if you will.

The tipple has become inseparable from Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, with about 95 percent of the world’s bourbon still produced in the state, and it’s that provenance that helps explain why brands such as Jim Beam champion the drink. It’s so closely associated with the occasion in fact, that roughly 120,000 Mint Juleps are served up across the Derby weekend alone, using about 10,000 bottles of bourbon alongside hefty quantities of fresh mint and crushed ice. The race itself lasts just two minutes over a distance of one and a quarter miles, which is why it is often referred to as ‘the most exciting two minutes in sport,’ but in contrast, the Mint Julep is a long, slow serve that’s designed to be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. 

As Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller at Jim Beam, says of the cocktail’s place in Derby culture, ‘It has been the official drink of the Derby since 1938, and you don’t often see them served outside the Derby weekend. It has become almost ritualistic. Something you look forward to once a year, not unlike the Honey Deuce at the US Open or a Pimm’s Cup at Wimbledon. The cup and the garnish really make the serve a unique experience.’

The cocktail’s origins actually date back to the late 19th century, and it was famous then across the American South as a refreshing warm-weather drink served over crushed ice, and its adoption by the Derby in the ‘30s solidified the regional tradition. And it’s something Noe can testify to; the Mint Julep is ‘an incredibly refreshing cocktail’ that’s ‘well suited for the unpredictable Kentucky weather in May.’

Choosing the right bourbon is key to this classic serve, ‘Bourbon, more specifically Jim Beam Black seven-year, is well suited for this drink because the depth of flavour at seven years and an elevated proof point of 90 proof, or 45 percent percent ABV, allows that flavour to stand up to all that crushed ice as it begins to melt,’ says Noe. He adds, ‘the caramel and baking spice notes complement the fresh mint, making it an extremely refreshing drink.’

At its heart, like any good and lasting cocktail, the appeal of the Mint Julep lies in its straightforwardness with good bourbon, plenty of crushed ice and fresh mint, served cold, ideally in a frosted metal cup. Here’s how to make one at home and celebrate the Kentucky Derby with this signature serve.

Classic Jim Beam Mint Julep Recipe

Ingredients:

• 50ml Jim Beam bourbon
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp sugar or 10 ml sugar syrup
• Crushed ice
• Fresh mint sprig to garnish

Method:

1. Add the mint leaves and sugar to a julep cup or sturdy glass. 
2. Gently press the mint to release its aroma without shredding the leaves. 
3. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. 
4. Pour over the bourbon. 
5. Stir until the outside of the glass feels cold and frosted. 
6. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving straight away.