I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby and all of the festivities surrounding it back in 2019 and I cannot wait to go back some day! It was such a fun few days and one of my more memorable trips to date. While it wasnโt in the cards to attend this year, rest assured Iโll be watching from home and celebrating in style this weekend!
The Kentucky Derby is always the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Itโs dubbed โThe Run for the Roses,โ stemming from the blanket of roses draped over the winner after the race. Youโve probably heard the phrases โThe Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,โ or โThe Fastest Two Minutes in Sportsโ because of just how quickly the race starts and finishesโฆ Which just makes it all the more suspenseful and exciting! The Old Forester Mint Julep is the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby and is synonymous with this coming weekend, the first Saturday in May.
Iโve mentioned before how I was surprised to realize I liked bourbon a few years ago, but let me just paint the picture of my first Mint Julep experienceโฆ I was in my early twenties living in NYC and two of my besties came to visit me over the Derby weekend. I found out about a party package on a swanky hotel rooftop so we all bought tickets and dressed up for the occasion! Letโs just say that we were expecting a luxury experience and felt like we were at a frat partyโฆ 😂
I remember watching the bartender pour cheap bourbon over some ice and stick some mint leaves in the cup before sliding the clear plastic cup across the barโฆ It tasted as college-like as it looked.
Fast forward to attending the Derby a few years agoโฆ I had a properly prepared Mint Julep and โ surprise, surprise โ I was blown away by how much I liked it. Itโs all about the preparation folks!
First thingโs first โ itโs all about the crushed ice. Why does crushed ice matter so much? If you think back to science class, crushed ice has more surface area than a traditional ice cube. It will cool a drink more quickly and the drink will also get watery a bit faster! Since a Mint Julep only contains Old Forester Bourbon and Simple Syrup in terms of liquid ingredients, the watery nature of crushed ice makes a world of a difference.
While bars and restaurants usually have a crushed ice maker, you usually have to make your own at home since itโs virtually impossible to buy. This article gives you a couple of ways to make it with or without a blender! Or a crushed ice tray like this definitely helps.
Ingredients to Make a Mint Julep
- 2oz Old Forester 86 Proof
- 0.75oz Simple Syrup
- 8-10 Mint Leaves
- 3 Mint Sprigs for Garnish
Making a Mint Julep
- Pack a mint julep cup with crushed ice.
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
- Lightly bruise mint leaves with a muddler.
- Strain contents into your julep cup.
- Garnish with 3 generous sprigs of mint. Be sure to slap your mint!
- Serve with a straw. Make sure to insert your straw into the ice right near the mint sprigs!
Couldnโt be easier if youโve got plenty of mint and the right tools! Mint Juleps are so refreshing on a warm day, and hopefully weโve got way more of those headed our way soon.
Happy Derby Weekend, friends!
Donโt forget to use code OLDFOJS to get $10 towards your purchase of Old Forester on Drizly. Cheers!
Code only valid on Drizly. Must be 21+. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Code valid whenย you purchase Old Forester (375ml +). Minimum purchase $19.00. Valid in CO, IL, DC, and FL. Rebate will automatically be applied towards order total or shipping or delivery fees. Includes orders of non-alcoholic items. Void where prohibited. Drizly Terms & Conditions apply.
This post was created in partnership with Old Forester and intended for audiences 21+. Always drink responsibly! Thank you for supporting the brands and collaborations that make Bows & Sequins possible.
