The Kentucky Derby is always the first Saturday in May. On Kentucky Derby day, Churchill Downs typically serves over 120,000 Mint Juleps. The mint julep as we now know it became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938.
Join Insider Louisville and Old Forester Distillery for a fun Derby meetup and learn about the history of the mint julep. The mint julep is a Derby tradition that has a very intriguing past, and so does the newly announced official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby – The Old Forester Mint Julep. Did you know there is a special glass that mint juleps are served in and you can buy a special one for $1,000? Learn more fun facts when you join Insider Louisville and Old Forester on April 20, 2015 at Bourbons Bistro.
One of the amazing bartenders from Bourbons Bistro will be demonstrating how to make a proper Old Forester Mint Julep so you are ready to impress at your next Derby party. An expert from Old Forester will be talking about the history, Old Forester’s involvement, and the partnership they have with Churchill Downs.
This is a free event with a cash bar but you must be register here. All attendees must be 21 or older at the time of the event.
Did you know there is a Mint Julep Song?
There are songs written about this drink made famous by its connection to the Kentucky Derby. “One Mint Julep” is a rhythm and blues song written by Rudy Toombs that became a hit for the Clovers. It was recorded by Atlantic Records in New York City on December 19, 1951, and released in March 1952. Below are two versions of One Mint Julep, the original from 1952 and a more recent version recorded in 2014 by Anna Gasteyer – I’m Hip
Anna Gasteyer – One Mint Julep
The Clovers – One Mint Julep
Cover photo courtesy of Jeromy T. Hetzel
