Every year Woodford Reserve releases a $1000 Mint Julep that will be sold at the Kentucky Derby with proceeds benefiting a different charity, from jockeys to thoroughbred retirement farms. This year’s charity is the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, which helps fund the Louisville Fund For The Arts through the Community Foundation of Louisville. This foundation helps provide access to arts education and enjoyment in segments of the community which traditionally lack access.

This year’s recipe was developed by Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and Master Distiller Chris Morris. It is a clear departure from previous years where the recipes went markedly off script of a traditional Mint Julep recipe. The best way to describe this year’s recipe is an enhanced version of a traditional Mint Julep cocktail with only the finest ingredients.

Woodford Reserve 2018 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

Ingredients:
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 tsp Woodford County, Kentucky, Sorghum Simple Syrup
2 Leaves of Kentucky Colonel Mint
Garnish: 3 spray red roses, a sprig of mint and a single rose petal from the Garland of Roses,
which is draped on the winning Derby horse.

Instructions:
Rub mint around the julep cup, expressing the essential oils. Add remaining ingredients and top with crushed ice made from limestone-filtered water sourced from the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Churn ingredients with a bar spoon distributing the flavor. Top with additional crushed ice and garnish.

Even if you can’t make it to Churchill Downs on Derby Day to buy the $1000 Mint Julep, you can still purchase the cup and benefit the charity. There will be 90 silver cups available at a cost of $1000 and 15 gold cups available at a cost of $2500 through May 4 at noon. Cups can be purchased at  www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com.

For more about Mint Juleps, check out my recent article, Mint Juleps: You’re Doing It Wrong or my latest for Flaviar, How Not To Suck At Mint Juleps. Cheers!

Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl