Skip to main content

How to make a mint julep: Recipe for Kentucky Derby cocktails

Learn how to make a mint julep with this easy to follow recipe. 

Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.

After you place your bets and put on your hat, there’s only one thing left to do to get ready for the Kentucky Derby: make a mint julep. 

Kentucky’s two most famous exports are bourbon and horses, so juleps and the Derby are a perfect combination. 

The Derby estimates 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs every Derby weekends. They use 10,000 bottles of liquor, 1,000 pounds of mint and 60,000 pounds of ice. It’s typically served in a silver cup, but you can use whatever vessel you want. 

If you’re not sure how to put together the Derby’s signature cocktail, don’t worry, we have you covered. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • 8–10 mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup
  • crushed ice
  • 1–2 oz. bourbon

NEWCOMB: Kentucky Derby debuts three new signature cocktails

To see how to put it all together, check out the video above, in which guest bartender Marcia Herold shows us how it goes. 

For a little extra fun, we had the Extra Mustard gang race to see who could make the best mint julep. Be sure to watch to see Rohan make a fool of himself. 

Have fun watching the race!