Kentucky Derby: The Mint Julep Exception

The Kentucky Derby is the one major sporting event where champagne lost. Over 120,000 mint juleps are served in two days - 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 2,250 pounds of mint. The tradition started in the 1930s with souvenir glasses. This is why America drinks bourbon, not bubbles, when horses run.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Get Derby Tickets Adventure · Price: high

   Book tickets at kentuckyderby.com. Infield general admission (from $80) is a massive party. Grandstand seats (from $150+) see the finish line. Millionaire's Row boxes cost thousands. The race is the first Saturday in May. Book months ahead.

   Backup: Kentucky Oaks (Friday) has the same atmosphere with smaller crowds.

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2. 2 Order the Mint Julep Wine · Price: moderate

   Order the official mint julep in the commemorative glass (around $15). It's Woodford Reserve bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice. Churchill Downs uses 10,000 bottles of bourbon and 2,250 pounds of mint over Derby weekend. The tradition started in 1938 when souvenir glasses were introduced.

   Backup: The $2,500 gold-plated julep cup is for collectors only.

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3. 3 Understand Why Not Champagne History · Free · Optional

   The mint julep originated in Virginia as medicine (brandy, sugar, mint). When settlers moved to Kentucky, they brought stills and horses. A brandy shortage made bourbon the substitute. By the 1930s, bourbon had won. This is why America toasts horses with bourbon while Europe uses champagne.

   Backup: The Kentucky Derby Museum (open year-round) tells the full story.

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