The Best Mint Julep Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best bourbon for mint juleps? ›

Since 1999, Woodford Reserve has held the title of “official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,” and deservedly so — it's an excellent choice for a Mint Julep.

Voisey says regular spearmint is fine for a julep, but do look for "smooth, bright green leaves, as these will be the most aromatic." Use peppermint at your own risk, however: According to McMillian, "the man who would put peppermint into a mint julep would put scorpions into a baby's bed." His method is to add a ...

Considered the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep co*cktail is a beverage made using sugar, bourbon, and mint leaves.

It was you drink it on Derby Day, and that's it.” Morris was tasked with moving the mint julep from long shot to Triple Crown Champion after Woodford Reserve became the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby in 1999. In order to make the mint julep great again, he delved deep into the history of the drink.

Mint juleps are synonymous with the Derby and have been the traditional drink at the track since the 1930s. In 2016, a mint julep cost $15.

Since bourbon is the only liquid in the drink, you'll want to use a high-quality bottle that you know you love. A slightly higher-proof bourbon—something in the mid-80s or around 90—will keep the crushed ice from diluting the co*cktail too quickly.

Mint Juleps need bourbon with a little more kick (90 proof or higher) to stand up to crushed ice and a warm day.

Ingredients. Ice Cubes. 1½ Parts 45 ml 1½ oz Bourbon. 2 Parts 60 ml 2 oz Orange Juice.

Which brand of bourbon you use is personal preference. Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon served at the Kentucky Derby and included in their mint juleps (until 2027), so that's a good option. My mom preferred Jack Daniels (which is technically a bourbon, but markets itself as whiskey).

During the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2022, special limited edition versions of the co*cktail featuring gold and silver julep cups were sold for upwards of $2,500 as part of The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep charity program.

What is a mint julep glass called? ›

Today, mint juleps are most commonly served in a tall old-fashioned glass, Collins glass, or highball glass with a straw.

PAPPY VAN WINKLE 23 YEAR.

Sure, the first thing you might think of when you hear the name is the Kentucky Derby which has embraced the co*cktail as its official drink since 1930. And with that, as well as a number of literary references, the Mint Julep has been seen as an iconic mainstay in the American South.

Woodford Reserve has been the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby” since 1999 and the presenting sponsor for the past four years. The renewed partnership between Woodford and Churchill Downs will continue through 2027.

Woodford Reserve is a really high quality sipping bourbon and an easy entry point for the whiskey newcomer. That's because the palate of this bourbon is sweet and soft, with just a bit of spice lingering in the background.

Best bourbon for Kentucky mule

Some other great choices for this whiskey mule recipe are Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses. All of these are distilled in Kentucky, and are also delicious in a apple cider bourbon co*cktail.