NATIONAL MINT JULEP DAY
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NATIONAL MINT JULEP DAY
National Mint Julep Day falls on May 30 each year just in time to make a refreshing toast to summer. Each year, people around the country gather for a glass of mint julep! This refreshing southern classic is a traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby.
#MintJulepDay
A classic mint julep is made with a mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water. In the Southern states, where mint julep is more associated with the cuisine, spearmint is the mint of choice. Preparation of the drink may vary from one bartender to another.
Mint julep is often served in traditional style using silver or pewter cups. Traditional mint julep requires frost to form on the outside of the cup, which means the drinker must hold the cup at the bottom or top edges of the glass. Today, mint juleps are most commonly served in a tall old-fashioned glass, Collins glass, or highball glass with a straw.
5 Mint Julep Facts
Mint julep is believed to have originated in the southern U.S. sometime during the 18th century.
The term “julep” is generally defined as a sweet drink, particularly one used as a vehicle for medicine.
During the 19th century, Americans also enjoyed a gin-based julep.
Each year, Churchill Downs serves almost 120,000 mint juleps over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.
In May 2008, Churchill Downs unveiled the world’s largest mint julep glass which stood 6-feet tall.
HOW TO OBSERVE MINT JULEP DAY
Enjoy a mint julep on this nice spring day! Try out a delicious Mint Julep recipe provided by National Day Calendar Ambassadors the Erratic Divas. Use #MintJulepDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MINT JULEP DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this holiday beverage.