Kentucky Derby Cocktails Guide: How to Make Mint Juleps with Texas Bourbon

The Kentucky Derby runs this Saturday, May 4th, 2026, and whether you’re watching from Churchill Downs or your living room in Texas, the official drink is the same: a properly made mint julep. This iconic bourbon cocktail has been the Derby’s signature drink since 1938, and over 120,000 juleps are served at the track each race day.

The mint julep isn’t complicated, but it’s often made wrong. Too sweet, not enough bourbon, bruised mint that tastes bitter, or, worse, made with cheap whiskey that ruins the whole experience. A great julep balances bourbon’s warmth with mint’s brightness and sugar’s sweetness, all served icy cold in a frosted silver cup.

At Zipps Liquor, we’ve been helping Texans prepare for Derby parties since 1994. Our 35+ locations across Texas stock everything you need for Derby cocktails: quality bourbon from $25 to $50, fresh mint (when in season), simple syrup, and even crushed ice if your store carries it.

Let’s make this Derby party one people remember for the right reasons.

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The Classic Mint Julep Recipe That Actually Works

Forget the recipes that call for muddling mint into oblivion or using powdered sugar that never dissolves. This is how you make a mint julep that honors the Derby tradition.

Ingredients (Per Drink):

• 2.5 oz bourbon (nothing cheap – this is the star)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
• Crushed ice (not cubed – crushed)
• Silver or pewter julep cup if you have it (traditional), otherwise any short glass

The Method:

Step 1: Prep Your Mint
Place 8-10 mint leaves in the bottom of your julep cup or glass. Add the simple syrup. Gently press the mint with a wooden spoon or muddler just until aromatic – 3-4 gentle presses. You want to release the oils, not pulverize the leaves into bitter mush. Over-muddled mint tastes like lawn clippings.

Step 2: Add Bourbon
Pour 2.5 ounces of bourbon over the mint. No need to stir yet.

Step 3: Pack the Ice
Fill the cup completely with crushed ice, packing it down firmly. If you don’t have crushed ice, pulse regular ice in a blender or wrap cubes in a towel and smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. The crushed ice is non-negotiable – it’s what makes the cup frost properly.

Step 4: Stir and Frost
Stir the julep with a bar spoon for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the cup frosts over. This is the visual indicator your julep is properly chilled.

Step 5: Garnish
Top with more crushed ice if needed (it settles), then garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Slap the mint sprig between your hands once before garnishing – this releases aromatics.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Hand it to your guest with a napkin wrapped around the frosted cup and a short straw. The frosted cup is part of the experience, not an Instagram prop.

Time Per Drink: About 2 minutes once you have your ingredients prepped.

The Most Common Mistakes:

• Over-muddling mint → bitter, vegetal flavor (just press gently)
• Using cubed ice → won’t frost the cup properly (must be crushed)
• Cheap bourbon → harsh, unbalanced drink (spend $25 minimum)
• Powdered sugar → doesn’t dissolve, grainy texture (use simple syrup)
• Not enough ice → warm, watery julep (pack it full)

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Best Bourbon for Mint Juleps Under $50

You don’t need $100 bourbon for juleps, but you do need something with character that won’t disappear behind mint and ice. Here’s what works at different price points, all available at Zipps locations across Texas.

Woodford Reserve ($35 to $40)

It’s the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby for a reason. Woodford Reserve has balanced vanilla and caramel notes that work with mint without fighting it. At 90.4 proof, it has enough backbone to stand up to all that ice without disappearing.

Why it works: The vanilla plays nice with mint’s sweetness. The proof holds up to dilution. The price point makes sense when you’re making multiple drinks.

Where to find it: Every Zipps Liquor location in Texas stocks Woodford Reserve at $36.99 to $39.99, often $3 to $5 less than you’ll pay elsewhere in the Houston area.

Maker’s Mark ($28 to $32)

If Woodford Reserve is outside your budget or you prefer a softer pour, Maker’s Mark works well in juleps. It’s wheated instead of rye-forward, giving you a smoother, less spicy profile that pairs nicely with mint.

Why it works: The wheat makes it gentle. The red wax top looks good on your bar cart. The price leaves room in your budget for everything else a Derby party needs.

Value play: At $28 to $32, you can make 12 to 13 juleps from one bottle for about $2.30 per drink in bourbon cost. Add simple syrup and mint and you’re under $3 per julep.

For more cocktail ideas using these bourbons beyond Derby Day, check out our spring whiskey cocktail recipes.

Buffalo Trace ($25 to $35)

The best value bourbon for juleps, if you can find it. Buffalo Trace is often allocated in Texas, but when Zipps locations have it in stock, it’s your best bang for the buck at Derby parties.

Why it works: Full flavor at a gentle proof (90). Caramel and vanilla notes shine through mint. The price point lets you be generous with pours.

The catch: Availability varies by location and week. Call your nearest Zipps to check stock before counting on it for Derby day. If you want to understand how allocated bourbon works in Texas and how to improve your odds of landing a bottle, our complete guide to finding allocated bourbon at Texas liquor stores walks through everything.

Batching Mint Juleps for Derby Parties

Making individual juleps is fine for two people. For 10 or 20, you need a system that doesn’t have you playing bartender through the entire race. The same logic applies to any big Texas gathering, and our big-batch cocktails guide for boat days and lakehouse weekends has more batch recipes worth stealing for Derby day.

Pre-Party Prep (The Night Before)

Make a large batch of mint simple syrup. For 20 drinks you’ll need:

• 2.5 cups sugar
• 2.5 cups water
• 2 to 3 bunches fresh mint

Follow the simple syrup method above, scaled up. This stores perfectly overnight, and the mint flavor actually deepens after a few hours.

Buy extra mint. You need fresh sprigs for every glass plus enough to muddle. Plan on 3 to 4 bunches minimum for 20 drinks.

Sort the ice situation. Crushed ice is non-negotiable for proper juleps. If you don’t have a crushed ice maker, buy three 5-pound bags of crushed ice the day of the party. Most gas stations carry them for $4 to $6 per bag.

Derby Day Setup

Set up a julep station so people can serve themselves, or you can run it assembly-line style. You need:

• Cups (julep cups are traditional, but rocks glasses work fine)
• Bourbon bottles
• Mint simple syrup in a pour or squeeze bottle
• Fresh mint for garnish
• Crushed ice in a large bucket
• Muddlers or spoons
• Jiggers for measuring (or mark the 2 oz line on the cups)

Assembly Line Method

For fast julep production during Derby, line up 10 cups and add 6 to 8 mint leaves to each. Pour 1/2 oz mint simple syrup into each cup. Muddle each cup quickly, about 15 seconds per cup. Pour 2 oz bourbon into each cup. Fill with crushed ice and stir briefly. Top with more ice and garnish with mint sprigs.

Ten drinks made in under 10 minutes. Faster if you have a helper.

Other Kentucky Derby Cocktails Worth Making

Not everyone drinks bourbon. Some people don’t like mint. Here are Derby party alternatives that don’t require running a full bar.

Kentucky Mule

Bourbon’s answer to the Moscow Mule. Ginger beer and bourbon just work.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 to 6 oz ginger beer
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Lime wheel garnish

Method: Fill a copper mug or glass with ice. Add bourbon and lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Why it works at Derby parties: It’s bourbon-based, it’s refreshing, and ginger beer’s spice pairs better with Derby party food than mint does.

Bourbon Lemonade

The drink for people who say they don’t like bourbon. They’re wrong. They just haven’t had it with lemonade yet.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz fresh lemonade
• Lemon wheel garnish
• Fresh mint (optional)

Method: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add bourbon and lemonade. Stir. Garnish with lemon wheel and mint if you want it.

Party tip: Make a big batch of bourbon lemonade in a drink dispenser. Mix 1 bottle (750 ml) bourbon with 2 liters of lemonade. Add lemon slices and ice. Serves 10 to 12.

Bourbon Rickey

The low-sugar option for people who find juleps too sweet but still want bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz sparkling water
• Lime wedge

Method: Fill a glass with ice. Add bourbon and lime juice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Why it works: Under 100 calories per drink. No added sugar beyond what’s in the bourbon. Refreshing in the Texas May heat, which is saying something.

Derby Party Food Pairings

Bourbon cocktails pair with specific foods better than others. Derby party staples work because Southern food and bourbon come from the same culture.

Beer Cheese Dip

Classic Kentucky appetizer that was made for bourbon drinks. The sharp cheddar and beer flavors work alongside bourbon’s caramel and oak notes.

Sharp cheese softens bourbon’s spice. Beer in the dip echoes bourbon’s grain character. Salt makes you want another sip. It’s a cycle.

Bourbon BBQ Chicken Wings

Bourbon in the sauce creates a full-circle pairing. The sweetness and smoke in BBQ sauce mirror bourbon’s vanilla and oak.

Pro tip: make the sauce with the same bourbon you’re serving in drinks. It ties the whole party together, and you can tell people you did it on purpose.

Sausage Rotel Dip

Texas meets Kentucky. Spicy Rotel and sausage hold their own against bourbon’s proof without drowning out mint in juleps.

Serve it hot. The heat opens up bourbon’s aromatics the same way room temperature does for a neat pour.

For complete party planning, including drink quantities and more food pairings, check our spring drinks guide for Texas parties.

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Derby Cocktails and Texas Bourbon: Why Local Spirits Work

Kentucky bourbon dominates Derby cocktails by tradition. But Texas bourbon works just as well and gives you something different to talk about at your party.

Garrison Brothers in Mint Juleps

Texas’s most recognized bourbon makes an excellent julep. At 94 proof, Garrison Brothers Small Batch has enough intensity to hold up against ice and mint while bringing caramel and oak notes that work well with Derby party foods.

Price point: $70 to $90 puts it above Woodford Reserve but below premium Kentucky options. Worth it if you want to put Texas bourbon front and center at your Derby party.

Where to buy: All Zipps locations stock Garrison Brothers. Spring, Marshall, and Palestine locations often carry the best selection, including limited releases.

Balcones in Bourbon Lemonade

Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon uses a unique blue corn mash bill. The honey and graham cracker notes work exceptionally well in bourbon lemonade.

Value argument: At $30 to $35, Balcones costs less than Woodford Reserve but brings flavors you won’t find in a Kentucky bottle. It stands out even when mixed with lemon juice, which is exactly what you want in a batch drink.

If you want to explore more Texas spirits options, our Texas bourbon guide covers local distilleries and flavor profiles in detail.

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Mint Julep FAQ

How far in advance can I make mint simple syrup?

Two weeks maximum when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Make it the night before Derby day for best flavor. The mint infusion actually improves after 12 to 24 hours as the oils fully incorporate into the syrup.

What if I can’t find crushed ice?

Put regular ice cubes in a clean dish towel or large ziplock bag. Hit it with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or the bottom of a heavy pan until it’s crushed. Takes 30 seconds per batch and works perfectly. You can also pulse ice in a blender for 2 to 3 seconds, but don’t over-blend or you’ll end up with slush.

Do I really need silver julep cups?

No. The silver cup is traditional because metal frosts beautifully and looks the part, but rocks glasses work fine. The drink tastes the same. If you want the look without buying cups you’ll use twice a year, borrow them from a friend or rent them from a party supply store for $1 to $2 each.

Can I make mint juleps without fresh mint?

Not successfully. Mint extract tastes like toothpaste in cocktails. The fresh mint oils are what make a proper julep. Grocery store mint costs $2 to $3 per bunch. It’s not the place to cut corners.

How many mint juleps will one bottle of bourbon make?

A 750ml bottle contains roughly 25 oz of bourbon. At 2 oz per drink, that’s 12 to 13 mint juleps per bottle. For party planning: 20 guests drinking 2 juleps each means 3 to 4 bottles of bourbon, plus extras for anyone wanting a third round.

What’s the best way to store leftover mint simple syrup?

Pour it into a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate it. It stays good for two weeks. Leftovers work great in iced tea, lemonade, or mojitos. The mint flavor is subtle enough to fit anything that benefits from a little sweetness.

Shopping List for Derby Party

Planning a Derby party for 20 people who’ll drink 2 to 3 cocktails each? Here’s your complete shopping list with Zipps’ pricing.

Bourbon and Spirits

• 4 bottles bourbon ($35 to $40 each): $140 to $160
• Alternative: 2 bottles premium ($70 to $90) plus 2 bottles value ($28 to $32): $196 to $244

Mint Julep Supplies

• Fresh mint (5 to 6 bunches): $12 to $18
• Sugar (2 lb bag for simple syrup): $3
• Crushed ice (3 to 4 five-pound bags): $15 to $20

Alternative Cocktails

• Ginger beer (2 to 3 four-packs): $12 to $18
• Fresh lemons (2 lbs): $6
• Fresh limes (2 lbs): $6
• Lemonade (1 gallon): $5
• Sparkling water (2 liters): $3

Total Cost: $200 to $280

That breaks down to $10 to $14 per person for all cocktails. Compare that to $15 per mint julep at a bar or Derby party venue.

Zipps’ advantage: Buy everything except produce at Zipps. One stop, a better bourbon selection than grocery stores, and prices 10 to 30% lower than most Texas liquor stores. Browse our spirits selection or find your nearest location to check what’s in stock before you head out.

Visit Zipps for Derby Party Supplies

Zipps stocks everything you need for Derby cocktails. Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace when available, and Texas bourbons like Garrison Brothers and Balcones. Plus mixers and party supplies in one trip, at prices you won’t find at the big chains.

Our locations across Texas stay open late in the days leading up to the Derby, so you can grab last-minute supplies even if you’re planning on doing it Friday. Stop by and talk to our staff about bourbon recommendations for your budget, and get out the door in under 10 minutes.

For bourbon cocktails beyond Derby day, check out our collection of favorite bourbon drink recipes that work year-round. And if you want to dig into Texas spirits more, our guide to Texas-inspired cocktails covers everything from bourbon to tequila.