🏇 Sip in Style: Mastering the Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby 🥃
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just the most exciting two minutes in sports—it’s a celebration of tradition, flair, and fantastic cocktails. And when it comes to Derby Day, one drink reigns supreme: the Mint Julep.
At National Bartending School, we love teaching students the stories behind the spirits. The Mint Julep is more than a cocktail—it’s a piece of American history served with crushed ice and a sprig of mint.
🌿 A Brief History of the Mint Julep
This Southern classic has been associated with the Kentucky Derby since 1938, when it became the event’s official drink. With its crisp mint and bold bourbon profile, the Mint Julep is a refreshing symbol of Southern hospitality and mixology artistry.
Each year, over 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs during Derby weekend, and now you can learn to make one like a pro!
🥃 Classic Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (or 1 tsp superfine sugar)
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig (for garnish)
- Silver or pewter cup (traditional)
Instructions:
- Muddle the mint and simple syrup gently in the bottom of a Julep cup (or rocks glass). You want to release the oils, not shred the mint.
- Add bourbon and pack the cup with crushed ice.
- Stir until the cup frosts.
- Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
- Serve with a short straw so the aroma of mint hits with every sip!
🍹 Why It Matters for Bartenders
Creating a Mint Julep isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about understanding balance, presentation, and experience. These are the skills we teach every day at National Bartending School. From Derby Day classics to modern mixology, we prepare our students for any bar, any crowd, any time.
So whether you’re watching the race, serving guests, or stepping behind the bar for the first time, do it with style, tradition, and a little mint.
📚 Want to Mix Like a Pro?
Join one of our hands-on classes and learn the techniques behind the world’s most iconic cocktails. Enrollment is open now—your bartending journey starts here!
#MintJulep #KentuckyDerby #DerbyDayDrinks #BartendingSchool #CocktailCraft #NationalBartendingSchool #Mixology #LearnToPourLikeAPro
