MINT JULEP

The Traditional Drink of the Kentucky Derby

For nearly a century, the mint julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Over 80,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, requiring 8,000 quarts of Julep Mix, 150 Bushels of Mint and 60 tons of snow ice.
The Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the turf stakes race on Derby Day, is sponsored by Woodford Reserve bourbon, the time-honored ingredient in mixing an authentic mint julep.

Please don't drink and drive

Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Recipe

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Kentucky Bourbon
Silver Julep Cups
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for 5 minutes. Cool, place in a covered container with 6 or 8 sprigs of fresh mint. Refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and 2 ounces Kentucky bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost outside of cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Secretariat 1973
Seattle Slew 1977
Affirmed 1978
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(Adapted from Churchill Downs' Web Site)