National Mint Julep Day

Celebrate National Mint Julep Day on May 30th. Having one of these minty cocktails is a tradition at the Kentucky Derby, but you can enjoy this refreshing spirit anytime.

The drink itself is made with bourbon, water, sugar, and, of course, mint leaf, and is said to have originated in the US during the 18th century. The name julep traditionally meant a sweet drink such as those used to deliver medicines.

The first printed record of the mint julep comes from 1803 when US Senator Henry Clay was described as having ordered it at the Round Robin Bar in Washington D.C. 

While the original recipe calls for bourbon, mint juleps can also be made with gin, and this variation became popular during the 1800s. But nowhere is the mint julep more popular than at the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs, the venue for the event, sells nearly 120,000 mint juleps over derby weekend. The track even set a record in May 2008 for the largest mint julep glass in the world at 6 feet tall. 

Whether you’re spending the day at the races or just enjoying a lovely May day, be sure to slake your thirst with a mint julep on May 30th for National Mint Julep Day.

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