The Kentucky Derby, known for its extravagant hats and fast horses, also boasts a rich culinary tradition. At this year’s event, the culinary team at Churchill Downs is set to use massive amounts of ingredients to create the iconic mint julep cocktail, a tradition that dates back almost 150 years. Approximately 1,000 pounds of mint, 20,000 bottles of Woodford Reserve, and 24,000 bottles of Old Forester will be used to make tens of thousands of mint juleps for the estimated 150,000 attendees.
The Mint Julep has been a staple at the Kentucky Derby since 1875 and became the official drink of the race in 1939. Despite falling out of favor in the 1990s, the cocktail has made a comeback in recent years thanks to efforts by brands like Woodford Reserve. Along with the mint julep, other must-have culinary traditions at the Kentucky Derby include the Hot Brown sandwich, Derby-Pie, and pimento cheese. These dishes have become synonymous with the event and add to the overall experience for attendees.
One of the highlights of this year’s Derby is the Woodford Reserve charity mint julep cup, which is priced at $5,000. The cup features 44 crystals and comes with a limited-edition coffee table book. Proceeds from the sale of these cups benefit the Backside Learning Center, which supports Churchill Downs workers and their families. In addition, there are also silver cups available for $1,000, which have already sold out.
The history of the mint julep in America dates back to the 18th century when it was traditionally made with rum or brandy, honey, and mint. Over time, bourbon replaced the liquor as American farmers began producing their own spirits. Kentucky, known for its abundant corn crop and limestone water, became a hub for bourbon production. The founder of Churchill Downs is said to have introduced the mint julep to the race, which eventually led to the creation of the iconic julep collector cups in 1939.
Aside from the signature dishes, the Kentucky Derby also offers a special menu each year. This year’s menu, crafted by Chef Robert Lopez, includes a mix of Southern specialties and vibrant spring flavors. Dishes like bourbon cherry brisket burnt ends, ‘Nduja shrimp pasta, and herbed gournay Wiesenberger grits are all part of the menu. Churchill Downs estimates that they will serve a total of 10,000 pounds of smoked brisket, 9,000 pounds of shrimp, 1,000 pounds of cheese, and 20,000 pounds of assorted desserts.
For those looking to catch the Kentucky Derby action, NBC will be airing live coverage of the event starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 4. The combination of high-stakes horse racing and delicious culinary offerings makes the Kentucky Derby a truly unique and memorable experience for attendees and viewers alike.
