Topline
Under the giant feathered hats and watchful eyes of the estimated 150,000 attendees to this year's Kentucky Derby, the culinary team at the Churchill Downs race track will will use roughly 1,000 pounds of mint, 20,000 bottles of Woodford Reserve and 24,000 bottles of Old Forester to create tens of thousands of mint julep cocktails in a derby tradition that has carried on for almost 150 years.
A mint julep cocktail seen at the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2019.
Key Facts
The Mint Julep has been served during the Kentucky Derby since 1875 and became the official drink of the race in 1939; it’s made by muddling mint leaves and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a cocktail glass, then adding crushed ice, 2 oz. Kentucky bourbon and a fresh mint sprig.
The drink suffered through a bout of poor reputation in the 1990s and fell out of favor with the derby crowd for a time, but has since rebounded thanks to the efforts of the Woodford Reserve brand, the release of its Mint Julep cocktail syrup and a standardization of the recipe served at Churchill Downs.
Roughly 120,000 mint juleps are served at the race each year, but the cocktail isn’t the only must have for Kentucky Derby season—an open-faced turkey sandwich called the Hot Brown, a pie actually named for the race (and not the other way around) and pimento cheese are all traditions of America’s oldest continuous sporting event.
Created at the Brown Hotel in the 1920s, the Hot Brown has become a Louisville staple that over the years also became synonymous with the Kentucky Derby—the open-faced sandwich is made with Texas toast, turkey, bacon, tomatoes and a classic béchamel sauce.
Another tradition of Derby watchers around the country is the Derby-Pie, which actually has little to do with the race itself: The pecan, chocolate and bourbon pie was first made at the Melrose Inn outside of Louisville in 1954 and Kern’s Kitchen trademarked the “Derby-Pie” name a decade later, leading it to become a traditional menu item for at-home viewing parties.
Former Kentucky Derby executive chef David Danielson once said taking a bite of sharp and creamy pimento cheese is like "taking a bit out of Louisville and the Derby itself," and the race this year included a recipe for the southern staple among its official at-home menu recommendations.
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A "hot brown" turkey sandwich.
A bowl of pimento cheese.
Big Number
$5,000. That's how much the most expensive Woodford Reserve charity mint julep cup will cost at this year's Kentucky Derby, the 150th rendition of the event. There are 100 of the gold cups, each made with 44 crystals, which are sold with a limited-edition coffee table book featuring a history of the Derby. Woodford also made 200 silver cups with 44 emeralds to be sold for $1,000. Proceeds benefit the Backside Learning Center, which provides resources to Churchill Downs workers and their families. The silver cups were sold out as of Tuesday, but gold cups are still available.
Surprising Fact
Kern's famously took Bon Appetit to court—and won—in 1987 for trademark infringement after the magazine published a recipe using the name "derby pie." The Electronic Frontier Foundation included Kern’s Kitchen on its “Takedown Hall of Shame” for "going after individual websites that post new recipes for derby pies.” The company has sued to protect the name dozens of times and sends one or two cease-and-desist letters per week, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Key Background
The mint julep came to America from Persia in the 18th century and was traditionally served with a high-proof rum or brandy, honey and muddled mint, according to Wine Enthusiast. The liquor was replaced with bourbon as American farmers began making their own libations, and Kentucky thrived on the industry thanks to its abundant crown crop and limestone water. The founder of Churchill Downs was said to have brought the drink to the race made with mint he grew behind the club, which then grew into an annual tradition and the first julep collector cups were introduced at the Kentucky Derby in 1939.
Tangent
In addition to signature items, the Kentucky Derby each year crafts a special menu. This year, Chef Robert Lopez said his choices blend "Southern specialties and vibrant spring flavors" with a menu that includes bourbon cherry brisket burnt ends, 'Nduja shrimp pasta and herbed gournay Wiesenberger grits. Churchill Downs estimates it will serve 10,000 pounds of smoked brisket, 9,000 pounds of shrimp, 1,000 pounds of cheese and 20,000 pounds of assorted desserts.
When Is The Kentucky Derby?
NBC will begin its live coverage of the Kentucky Derby at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 4.
Kentucky Derby fans show off a Mint Julep.
A woman drinks a mint julep during the 132nd Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2006.
