Every year, Kentucky Derby sponsor Woodford Reserve releases a limited-edition Derby Mint Julep cup designed to raise money for equestrian-related charities. The cups this year commemorate the 50th anniversary of Secretariat, the undisputed greatest racehorse who ever lived. The cups can be pre-purchased online at https://woodfordreservemintjulep.com/, but they must be picked up on Derby Day at Churchill Downs in the $1000 Mint Julep Experience in the Paddock. There are 100 silver cups and 50 gold-plated cups available. This year’s cups were designed by Louisville jeweler From The Vault and sales benefit the Secretariat Foundation.
If you aren’t going to make it to the Kentucky Derby this year, here’s the official Secretariat Mint Julep recipe to try at home:
Secretariat’s Mint Julep
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz. chestnut liqueur
1 sprig of mint, for garnish
1 stalk of Virginia bluebells, for garnish
Directions: Mix, then pour over a julep cup filled with crushed ice. Garnish with one sprig of mint and one stalk of Virginia bluebells.
Mint Juleps: You’re Doing It Wrong
Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl
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