Food

National Mint Julep Day 2026: Date, History, Activities

Similar to its winter cousin, the Moscow mule, a mint julep acquires gravitas from its preparation ritual. The uncommon but not obscure ingredients and specialty cups

National Mint Julep Day 2026: Did you know that 120,000 mint juleps are sold in Louisville during Derby weekend? This cocktail, which is traditionally presented in a silver cup, has been associated with the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century, but it is actually a refreshing, sophisticated drink that can be enjoyed at any time. You can still commemorate National Mint Julep Day on 30 May even if you missed Derby Day or are still nursing your betting wounds; all you need is bourbon, sugar, mint and ice! Therefore, brush off your muddler and let’s make some juleps!

The background of National Mint Julep Day

Similar to its winter cousin, the Moscow mule, a mint julep acquires gravitas from its preparation ritual. The uncommon but not obscure ingredients and specialty cups (copper for the mule, silver for the julep) give these beverages an air of sophistication. It’s not as simple as cracking open another lager, but it’s also not as complicated as many cocktails. And the return is worthwhile. Northerners, you can also savour a mint julep. Although the beverage originated south of the Mason-Dixon line, it is a delicious and refreshing beverage wherever the temperature increases. Some hypotheses suggest that the mint julep is a variation of an ancient Arabic drink containing rose petals called the julab. The mint, followed by the bourbon, ultimately made it an all-American beverage. In fact, the earliest printed reference to the mint julep characterised it as a “shot of spirituous liquor containing mint, consumed in the morning by Virginians.” Indeed, why not? Mint juleps are used to alleviate gastrointestinal distress. Senator Henry Clay orders the cocktail for the first time at the Round Robin Bar in Washington, D.C., where it is printed for the first time.

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Activities associated with National Mint Julep Day

Host a Kentucky Derby fancy dress celebration.

So you missed the Tournament of Roses? No problem, you’ve got a do-over. To honour National Mint Julep Day, channel your inner Southern belles and gentlemen. The larger and more ostentatious the picture headwear, the better (why not add a “Best Hat” competition?). Keep your attire modest, such as a pastel linen sheath dress or spring suit. A seersucker or linen suit, paired with a bow tie and possibly a fedora or bowler cap, is recommended for dapper gentlemen. Classic oxfords (please, no stockings!) complete the ensemble.

Buck custom with these modifications

The traditional mint julep is composed of bourbon (or whisky), sugar or simple syrup, mint, water and shaved ice; however, there are numerous unconventional alternatives. How about a watermelon, peach, blackberry, or cherry-lime mint julep? You can create mint-julep popsicles for on-the-go refreshment, as well as mint-julep ice cubes that will transform any Southern sweet tea into a cocktail.

Try a little brandy.

Maybe you’re not a fan of mint, or you simply lack the motivation to pulverise all that ice. No concerns. Conduct a bourbon sampling while claiming to be conducting research for next year’s Derby Day. Find a well-stocked bar with a knowledgeable barman, or ask your peers to contribute their favourite, lesser-known bourbon.