The authentic Kentucky Derby Mint Julep recipe

May 03, 2016 Jennifer Caldwell/Brisnet.com

For nearly a century, the Mint Julep has served as the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby and the track at which the race takes place, Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Oaks Friday and Kentucky Derby Saturday see nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps served to patrons. That requires more than 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvest mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.

For those who wish to add the Mint Julep to their Kentucky Derby festivities at home, the recipe is as follows:

The Old Forester Mint Julep Recipe

·         2 cups sugar

·         2 cups water

·         Sprigs of fresh mint

·         Crushed ice

·         Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. 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 with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Old Forester Kentucky Whisky.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Of course the best way to serve a Kentucky Derby Mint Julep is in the official Mint Julep glass of the Kentucky Derby, which may be purchased at various local outlets as well as at store.kentuckyderby.com.