Have you ever wondered how many mint juleps are consumed at the Kentucky Derby? Walter Scott has the answer. Nearly 120,000 times in two days. Now you’ll need lots of mint, bourbon, and crushed ice.
Cheers to your favorite racehorses with this classic music on May 4, 2024 KEntucky Derby Mint JUrep.
RELATED: Delicious Kentucky Derby food, desserts, and drinks
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What is a mint julep?
“The famous Derby cocktail is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and mint and served over crushed ice,” he explains. elizabeth mccallAssistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby.
What is the history of mint juleps?
Mint juleps have a long history and were considered a morning drink in the 1800s. “People who work on horse farms or in the horse racing industry at this time of year might wake up in pain. We didn’t have aspirin, so we made mint juleps. We used bourbon to ease the aches and pains,” he said. We used sugar to soothe ‘alcohol and mint to freshen the breath,’ says McCall.
What is the best glass to drink a mint julep in?
The traditional glass in which mint juleps are served is a silver cup. McCall said this stems from the tradition of jockeys winning silver trophies around the same time the mint julep became popular. “The silver cup creates a layer of ice that keeps your drink cold for a long time.” When you visit a racetrack, you’ll be served a mint julep in a highball glass filled with ice.
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Materials required:
How to make simple syrup for mint juleps
- Make simple syrup by combining 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar in a saucepan and bringing to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Cool, place in a covered container with 2 sprigs of fresh mint, and refrigerate overnight.
- To make mint juleps, first fill 8 mint julep glasses with crushed ice. Add 1 tablespoon of mint-flavored simple syrup, then add 2 ounces of Kentucky bourbon. Stir quickly with a spoon to frost the outside of the glass. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.
Tips for making mint julep:
- Lots of crushed ice, fresh mint, and high-quality simple syrup
- Add the mint leaves, 2 ounces of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, and simple syrup and strain the glass.
- Next add crushed ice and stir, then add mint sprigs and top with more crushed ice.
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What about how to make Woodford Spire?
Woodford Spire is an easy-to-drink mixed drink. McCall says all you need is 1.5 ounces of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, 2 ounces of lemonade, and 1 ounce of cranberry juice, then pour the ingredients into a glass over ice, stir, and garnish with a lemon twist.
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What is your favorite Derby memory over the years?
“Some of my favorite memories are of the cigar-scented truck, everyone dressed in their best spring track attire, and sharing drinks with good friends at the truck,” says McCall. . “I also love watching horses being trained early in the morning from the horse’s side. The air is buzzing with anticipation and for me it’s pure joy. The horses love what they do and I love seeing them come to life. It’s so much fun!”
What is the new Kentucky Derby themed bottle of Woodford 2024?
This year’s bottle features artwork from Kentucky native Wiley Caudill’s painting “Adored in Roses.” Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky His Derby Bottle is available for purchase for $52.99.
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The perfect mint julep recipe for the Kentucky Derby
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- splash simple syrup
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon 2 oz.
- crushed ice
- fresh mint
- Rub the glass with mint leaves.
- Add 2 ounces of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and a splash of simple syrup.
- Next, add crushed ice and stir.
- Add mint sprigs and top with crushed ice cream.
