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.

Early Times Mint Julep

• 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 five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.