There’s one day a year when we lose all our inhibitions – we drink, we gamble, and we wear ridiculously big hats. You’ve guessed it, it’s Derby Day. Whether you’re celebrating at Churchill Downs or at home with friends, nothing says “derby” quite like the mint julep. This year I’m giving this Southern classic a fresh twist and serving up the perfect trifecta – mint, sage and thyme juleps. Get these recipes below and start placing your bets. Cheers!
Classic Mint Julep
Mint Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 bunch fresh mint, torn into pieces
Ingredients
1 ½ oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey
1 sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
1 oz mint syrup
Crushed ice
Directions
- In a pot over high heat bring water and sugar to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until sugar dissolves. Muddle mint slightly to release natural oils, stir into the syrup mixture. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Fill an 8 oz julep cup with crushed ice. Pour whiskey and stir. Top it with mint simple syrup and sprigs of mint for garnish.
Sage Julep
Sage Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
10 fresh sage leaves
Ingredients
2 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey
1 tablespoon sage infused simple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 sprig of fresh sage, for garnish
1 splash club soda
Directions
- In a pot over high heat bring water, sugar and sage to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and allow the mixture to cool completely for 10 minutes, then remove sage.
- Fill an 8 oz julep cup with crushed ice. Pour whiskey over ice, add the sage simple syrup and lemon juice. Top it with a splash of club soda and a sprig of sage for garnish.
Thyme Julep
Thyme Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 bunch fresh thyme
Ingredients
2 oz Kentucky bourbon whiskey
1 tablespoon thyme infused simple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 sprigs of fresh thyme, for garnish
1 splash club soda
Directions
- In a pot over high heat bring water, sugar and thyme to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and allow the mixture to cool completely for 10 minutes, then remove thyme.
- Fill an 8 oz julep cup with crushed ice. Pour whiskey over ice, add the thyme simple syrup and lemon juice. Top it with a splash of club soda and sprigs of thyme for garnish.
After beginning her career as an intern at Vogue Magazine, Colleen Kennedy Cohen went on to manage events in-house for renowned brands such as Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Cartier. She has been planning luxury events throughout the U.S. and Europe for major fashion houses since 2006. After the birth of her daughter, Colleen launched Colleen Kennedy Events to bring her luxury brand experience to private clients. Currently, she lives in New York City and works as an event planner and certified health coach. With a love for all things beautiful, coupled with an eye for design, Colleen brings a versatile and fresh approach to each project she takes on. Follow her: Instagram: CKCohen; Pinterest: Colleen Kennedy Events.
Imagery by Charlie Juliet Photography.