Are you down to Derby this year?! For the Kentucky Derby, we’re mixing up something super simple that’s a twist on a classic cocktail. Grab your cocktail supplies and stir up the Berry Mint Julep for the occasion! 

I partnered with Kentucky Derby to make the Berry Mint Julep! Recipe and ideas are my own.

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The Berry Mint Julep

For one of the most iconic events in the world, the Kentucky Derby, let’s sip on something refreshing and delicious for the occasion. Let’s make the Berry Mint Julep! 

This riff on the classic Mint Julep cocktail includes an exciting upgrade. Keep reading to find out exactly what ingredients I added, plus the recommended bourbon to use for this libation. Cheers!

Tell Me More About The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is an infamous horse race where people come from all over to enjoy the main event, known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” The Kentucky Derby is run every year on the first Saturday of May in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs. Tune in this year on May 7, 2022 to watch the events unfold. 

However, this isn’t just a one-day event, this two-week long celebration includes an itinerary of amazing affairs, such as the Opening Night Celebration, Dawn at the Downs, Champions Day, Thurby, Kentucky Oaks, and many more. Click here to see the featured events.

For more information on the Kentucky Derby and the events surrounding it, check out the official Kentucky Derby website for the full calendar of activities and details on how to tune into the event. I’ll be celebrating from home this year and sipping on the Berry Mint Julep for the occasion. Be sure to join the fun!

Why Are Mint Juleps Popular For the Kentucky Derby?

This libation dates back to the late 1800s when it was an extremely popular cocktail in general, but it became entwined in the culture of horse racing because it used ingredients like bold bourbon mixed with the freshest mint, so it was an easy yet refreshing cocktail to create.

P.S. Did you know that “almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby,” according to the Kentucky Derby website! Curious what a Mint Julep tastes like or better yet, what a Berry Mint Julep tastes like? Find out what I used to make this fresh cocktail.

Ingredients for the Berry Mint Julep

The Berry Mint Julep is made with just 4 ingredients. For a quick and delicious mixed drink to assemble and enjoy for the Kentucky Derby festivities, grab these ingredients and give it a try! 

• Bourbon: for this cocktail, I used Woodford Reserve because it’s a bold yet smooth bourbon that pairs perfectly with the berries and fresh mint. Woodford Reserve is also the sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, so it’s the perfect spirit for the event. 
• Berries: I muddled a blend of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for this cocktail, but you could use just one berry like blueberries or strawberries. 
• Mint leaves: fresh mint is a great addition to this cocktail, plus it’s what truly makes it a Mint Julep. I bought some fresh from my local grocery store and I made sure it was as fresh as possible since you really want this ingredient to shine. 
• Powdered sugar: for a hint of sweetness, muddle your berries and mint with powdered sugar.
• Garnish: add a mint sprig, berries, and edible flowers to complete your Berry Mint Julep.

How to Make the Berry Mint Julep

Now let’s get to the fun part! In just three easy steps you can create your very own Berry Mint Julep.  

Start by adding the mint leaves, berries, and powdered sugar to a glass and gently muddle using your muddler until the berries are broken down and everything is mixed well. 

Next, add your crushed ice and the Woodford Reserve and stir with a bar spoon to combine. Fill the rest of the glass with crushed ice, creating a mound on the top. Garnish with a mint sprig, some more berries, and an edible flower for a finished look! 

If you really want to get into the spirit, I recommend ordering an actual Julep cup, like this one here. Enjoy!

More Cocktails to try for the Kentucky Derby

• The 3 Best Kentucky Derby Cocktails 

If you’re interested in taking Insta-worthy photos of your cocktails too, check out my free training on how to take Food & Drink Photos on a Budget!

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