Mint Julep Day

by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor 

Due to COVID 19, the Kentucky Derby has been postponed. But we believe celebrations that safely bring us together also bring us joy, laughter, and camaraderie! Raise a Mint Julep glass to Kentucky Derbys in our future.

May 30th is Mint Julep Day. It's a day to enjoy and savor this frosty and refreshing southern classic drink.

Here is one of my favorite Mint Julep recipes excerpted from Beach Cocktails by the Editors of Coastal Living.

Mint Julep is a bourbon-based alcoholic beverage. A related version of it is gin-based. It originated and is very popular today in areas south of the Mason-Dixon line in the United States.  The roots of Mint Julep may have Arabic origin, where a similar drink called Julab was made with rose petals. Considered a sign of hospitality, Mint Juleps were first served in the early 1800s on Virginia plantations. It quickly spread in popularity across the south. In 1850, Kentucky Senator Henry Clay introduced it to Washington, D.C., at the Round Robin Bar. 

Perhaps Mint Juleps are best known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby (1938). Today, over 120,00 Mint Juleps are served at the two day "Run for the Roses" event. Try this Derby Day Cocktails — this one is made with Gin.

Did You Know: Mint Juleps were used medicinally for stomach maladies and other ailments.

Mint Juleps are a frosty cooler. We suspect the originator of this special day set May 30th as the date to celebrate them, as hot weather has arrived in the south by this time. 

May we suggest: Official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep recipe