Less than a month away from the two most exciting minutes in sports, Woodford Reserve has debuted this year’s $1,000 Mint Julep.
One of the Kentucky’s Derby’s most special annual traditions, the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep charity program benefits Old Friends Farms, where famous thoroughbreds are sent to retire peacefully.
This year is all about honoring the connections between Kentucky and France. Scoping in on the captivating cup, you’ll notice the horseshoe insignia is made of red rubies. The work of craftsmanship comes handmade by Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault. It also features a nod to Versaille, France and an engraved thoroughbred, which represents Versailles, Kentucky, where many of the world’s best thoroughbreds are bred and raised. It’s also where Woodford Reserve Distillery is located.
You can also look at the recipe for the French connection. Bringing together flavors of orange, lemon and pomegranate, the cocktail includes ingredients found at France’s Palace of Versailles, which was once home to three of the country’s kings from the House of Bourbon: Kings Louis XIV to XVI.
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In honor of Derby 148, a total of 148 cups will be available for purchase, 18 of which are gold ($2,500) and the other 130 are silver ($1,000). Those lucky enough to snag one must pick up on Derby Day at the $1,000 Mint Julep Experience.
“The French connections to Kentucky are significant – from Versailles, the home of our distillery – to Louisville, KY, the city where the Derby is run and which was named after King Louis XVI,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Cheers – or as the French would say ‘Sante’ – to Derby 148.”
And for those that can’t make it to the Kentucky Derby in-person, not to worry! You can make your very own official Woodford Reserve Mint Julep right at home (you’ll just have to fore-go the limited edition cup).
See the full recipe below.
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
2 tsp. honey syrup (½ part Honey from Versailles, France and ½ part water)
1 lemon peel
1 orange peel
2 fresh pomegranate arils, plus more for garnish
1 bunch fresh lemon Mint sprigs, garnish
Directions: In the Julep cup, add honey syrup, 1 peel each of the lemon and orange, 2 pomegranate arils, and muddle. Then fill the cup ⅔ of the way with crushed ice. Add Woodford Reserve and top the cup off with more crushed ice. Garnish by tucking in a fresh bunch of lemon mint, lemon and orange peels on the side. Top with fresh pomegranate arils and serve.
Photography by: Woodford Reserve
