- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- BeverageCocktailLiquor
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 30
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- 🍹
National Mint Julep Day arrives every May 30, inviting you to celebrate the classic bourbon cocktail. This refreshing blend of mint, sugar, and Kentucky bourbon, traditionally served in a silver cup, is perfect for any occasion. Mix up a batch, host a tasting, or find a local bar serving this iconic drink.
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Expected National Mint Julep Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows National Mint Julep Day often brings spirited deals. Expect liquor retailers like Total Wine & More to offer discounts on bourbon brands such as Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve. Bars and restaurants, particularly those with a Southern flair, will feature special pricing on mint juleps. Online retailers like Williams-Sonoma may offer cocktail kit promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Mint Julep Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalMintJulepDay. Share your beautifully crafted mint juleps and favorite serving ware.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalMintJulepDay. Film a quick ‘how-to’ video for making the perfect julep at home.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMintJulepDay. Share your go-to mint julep recipe or memories of enjoying one.
National Mint Julep Day Hero
Henry Clay
National Mint Julep Day timeline
Mint juleps are used to treat upset stomachs.
The drink is printed for the first time when U.S. Senator Henry Clay drinks it at the Round Robin Bar in Washington, D.C.
Gin-based julep becomes popular among Americans.
Churchill Downs displays the world’s largest mint julep glass, standing at six feet.
National Mint Julep Day FAQs
When is National Mint Julep Day?
In 2027, National Mint Julep Day is observed on Sunday, May 30, making it an ideal occasion for a leisurely brunch or evening gathering. Prepare to muddle some mint and enjoy.
How many mint juleps are consumed annually?
The Kentucky Derby, a major cultural event, accounts for a significant portion of mint julep consumption, with more than 120,000 served. Beyond the Derby, countless more are enjoyed at home and in bars across the U.S.
What are the key ingredients of a Mint Julep?
The classic Mint Julep recipe is elegantly simple, combining Kentucky bourbon, muddled fresh mint, a touch of sugar or simple syrup, and a generous amount of crushed ice. It’s often garnished with a fresh mint sprig.
What is the history behind the Mint Julep?
While strongly associated with the Kentucky Derby since the early 20th century, the Mint Julep’s history actually predates the race by over a century. It was originally a popular morning drink in the South, often enjoyed by farmers and planters.
National Mint Julep Day Activities
Throw a Kentucky Derby costume party
So you missed the Run for the Roses? No problem, you’ve got a do-over. Channel your inner Southern belles and gentlemen to celebrate National Mint Julep Day. For the ladies, picture hats are a must — the bigger and more ostentatious the better (in fact, why not add in a “Best Hat” contest?). Keep your clothing simple — a pastel linen sheath dress or spring suit works well. Dapper gentlemen should choose a seersucker or linen suit, paired with a bow tie and possibly a fedora or bowler hat. Classic oxfords (no socks, please!) complete the look.
Buck tradition with these variations
The classic mint julep is made of bourbon (or whiskey), sugar or simple syrup, mint, water, and shaved ice — but if that doesn’t appeal, there are many unorthodox alternatives. How about a cherry-lime, watermelon, peach or blackberry mint julep? You can make mint-julep popsicles for portable refreshment, or mint-julep ice cubes that will turn any old glass of Southern sweet tea into a cocktail.
Taste some bourbon
Maybe mint’s not your thing, or maybe you just can’t be chuffed to crush all that ice. No worries. Pretend you’re doing research for next year’s Derby Day and hold a bourbon tasting. Find a well-stocked bar with a knowledgeable barkeep, or ask friends to contribute a bottle of their favorite, lesser-known bourbon to the effort.
Why We Love National Mint Julep Day
There’s something about the ritual
Much like its winter-weather cousin, the Moscow mule, a mint julep gains gravitas from the ritual used to make it. The extra-but-not-too-esoteric ingredients and the specialty cup (copper for the mule, silver for the julep) make these drinks feel fancy. Sure, it’s not as easy as cracking open another beer, but neither is it as tricky to make as lots of cocktails. And the payoff is worth it.
It’s a local drink with universal appeal
Northerners, take heart; you too can enjoy a julep. Although the drink originated below the Mason-Dixon line, it’s a fine, refreshing beverage whenever and wherever the mercury rises.
It’s utterly American...well, maybe
Some theories propose that the julep is a variation on an ancient Arabic drink called the julab, which featured rose petals. The mint, and eventually the bourbon, eventually transformed it into an all-American tipple. In fact, the earliest print mention of the mint julep described it as a "dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning." Sure, why not?
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