Kentucky Derby- Juleps

Big hats, horse betting, and of course bourbon- it’s time for the Kentucky Derby!

This is the first time since 1945 that the Derby hasn’t been run on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event in the United States, dating back to 1875. The race is often referred to as, “The Run for the Roses” and has continuously produced some of the most exciting two minutes in sports! In 1872, when Meriwether Lewis Clark, the grandson of William Clark- traveled to England, he was so inspired after attending the Epsom Derby that upon his return he wanted to create a horse racing event in the States. Three years later, the racetrack opened its gates and the Louisville Jockey Club sponsored the first Kentucky Derby.  A total of fifteen thoroughbred horses raced 1.5 miles in front of a cheering crowd of about 10,000 people. As with any major event, the Kentucky Derby has had to undergo numerous changes over the past three centuries- from shortening the distance of the race to the introduction of traditions like draping the winning horse in a garland of roses.

The mint julep, a cocktail that is often associated with horse racing has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for almost a century! Can you believe that nearly 120,000 juleps are sold at Churchill Downs over the two-day race period each year?! It is widely believed that the name of the drink come from the Persian word gulab and the Aarab word julb, both of which translate to rosewater. This cocktail is made from a mixture of bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice.