Each year, over the course of one spring weekend in May, more than 125,000 mint juleps are sipped, slurped and supped at the Churchill Downs Racetrack during the Kentucky Derby.
It’s been that way for nearly a century, since the julep became the event’s official drink, thanks to the influence of Colonel Matt J. Winn, according to the Churchill Downs website.
Why do people drink mint juleps for the Kentucky Derby?
Winn, who grew up watching the derby from a seat in his father’s grocery wagon, became the track’s vice president in 1902. When he took that role, Churchill Downs had been facing some financial troubles.
Winn is credited with coming up with a number of now-famous derby traditions, including the garlands of flowers worn around winners’ necks and the mint julep glasses, which Winn designed.
Watch the video above to learn how to make the drink at home ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, airing live on NBC and Peacock on Saturday, May 2.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story and video appeared on this site in 2023.
The official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the bourbon-based Mint Julep. Have you ever wondered where bourbon comes from or how it gets made? Watch for a lesson in how to properly distill and age the liquor.
