The Kentucky Derby is celebrating Derby Day this Saturday, May 6.
The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and it has been for almost a century, according to the Kentucky Derby. The drink has solidified itself as a derby tradition amongst the other derby fixtures, such as the garland of roses awarded to derby winners and the extravagant hats donned by the audience members.
Around 120,000 mint juleps are served during the weekend of the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby is the longest-running sporting event in the U.S., having started in 1875.
The Kentucky Derby was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark, the grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Meriwether Lewis Clark got the idea for the Kentucky Derby while visiting Europe and socializing with the French Jockey Club.
A mint julep is a fairly simple cocktail, combining bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves, a mint sprig garnish, and, optionally, garnished with angostura bitters.
To make a mint julep, first, muddle the mint leaves at the bottom of your glass with the simple syrup. Then, add the bourbon and lots of crushed ice.
The drink can then be topped with a mint sprig and (potentially) the bitters. However, people seem fairly split on whether bitters are a good addition to the drink, with some people expressing their distaste for its inclusion in the comments of the Liquor.com recipe.
Juleps have been a Southern genteel society fixture since the 1800s, according to CNN. However, the drink only became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1939, when racetracks decided to start selling mint julep glasses as souvenirs.
You can watch the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday on NBC. Races are scheduled all day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT, though the Kentucky Derby proper is scheduled for 5:57 p.m. CT.
If you do tune in to watch (and you’re over 21), perhaps enjoy a mint julep (maybe minus the bitters) while you do.