National Mint Julep Day is on Sunday, May 30, 2027, and it falls on May 30 every year. It celebrates a Southern cocktail of bourbon, fresh mint, sugar and crushed ice, traditionally served in a frosty silver cup. It’s a drink for adults 21 and older; a zero-proof version works for everyone else.
When Is National Mint Julep Day?
It’s always May 30. It’s an unofficial day that comes a few weeks after the Kentucky Derby, the drink’s most famous occasion.
Who Started National Mint Julep Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: from medicine to cocktail
Before it was a cocktail, a “julep” was considered medicinal. It was prescribed for stomach problems and sore throats, Mental Floss notes.
Silver julep cups were given as prizes at Kentucky county fairs as early as 1816. That tradition explains why juleps are still served in metal cups that frost over when filled with crushed ice.
The Kentucky Derby drink
The mint julep became the Kentucky Derby’s official drink in 1938. Today, about 120,000 juleps are served at the races over Derby weekend. The track’s julep has been made with Old Forester bourbon since 2015.
Why Celebrate the Mint Julep?
It’s a piece of Southern hospitality and racing tradition in a cup. The drink also shows off Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and the simple pleasure of fresh garden mint.
If you choose to drink, know what you’re pouring. A standard drink of 80-proof spirits is 1.5 ounces, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says. Many julep recipes use 2 ounces or more, which counts as more than one drink.
How to Celebrate National Mint Julep Day
- Make a classic (21+): gently muddle mint with simple syrup, add bourbon, pack with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
- Don’t over-muddle: press the mint lightly to release its oils; shredding it turns the drink bitter.
- Use lots of crushed ice: the dilution softens the bourbon and frosts the cup.
- Slap the garnish: clap the mint sprig between your hands to release its aroma.
- Make it zero-proof: swap bourbon for iced tea or ginger ale for a family-friendly version.
- Grow mint: plant it in a pot; it spreads quickly in garden beds.
- Plan the ride home: if you’re drinking, use a designated driver or rideshare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in a mint julep?
Bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup and crushed ice. It’s traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup.
When did the mint julep become the Derby drink?
It was named the Kentucky Derby’s official drink in 1938.
Can I make a non-alcoholic mint julep?
Yes. Muddle mint with simple syrup, add cold sweet tea or ginger ale and pack with crushed ice.