THE MINT JULEP

DERBY TRADITION

The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century.
Each year, more than 125,000 Mint Juleps are enjoyed by fans over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack. That’s a feat that requires more than 10,000 bottles of Kentucky bourbon, 2,250 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 475,000 pounds of ice.
The Mint Julep contains Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup and mint leaves poured over crushed ice… enjoy!

2024 Mint Julep
2024
1968 Mint Julep
1968
1980 Mint Julep
1980
2022 Mint Julep
2022
1964 Mint Julep
1964
2022 Mint Julep
2022

HISTORY OF THE MINT JULEP

DID YOU KNOW?

The mint julep became the official drink during the 1930s, when Churchill Downs started serving it in souvenir julep cups, which it ordered for the first time in 1937.

WHICH DERBY TRADITION ARE YOU?

QUIZ

Every fan has a favorite way to celebrate the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®. Take our quiz to find out which iconic Derby tradition best matches your style!

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Event Information FAQ's

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