Woodford Reserve makes enjoying a Mint Julep at home an elevated experience for the Kentucky Derby

Towards the beginning of April, Woodford Reserve once again announced their $1000 Mint Julep Charity Program. This is a chance to raise money for a good cause, while also getting a piece of history in your hands.

As part of their charity efforts for 2024, Woodford Reserve released 300 limited edition cups for people to sip their Mint Julep out of as they watch the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. There were 200 silver cups released with a price tag of $1000, while there were 100 gold cups released with a price of $5000. And if you want a $5000 gold cup celebrating the Derby, you can still snag one right now on the Woodford Reserve website.

While these cups are truly stunning, we are here for the Mint Julep itself. And after watching the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve make a next level version of this cocktail in person at Churchill Downs, we knew that this was one that needed to be shared.

If you want to sip on an elevated Mint Julep at home while watching the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, then this recipe from Woodford reserve is a must. I had the chance to try this one myself and it was both elegant and special, offering a new way to appreciate this iconic drink.

Woodford Reserve celebrates 150 years of the Kentucky Derby with The Rose Mint Julep

That's right, this year they are leaning into the roses with the recipe for the Mint Julep. And you might be surprised by how well this flavor profile works.

The recipe is actually quite simple:

"2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 tsp. of rose-infused honey simple syrup
6 Mint Leaves
Miniature rose buds, for garnish

Directions: Wipe mint leaves inside a julep cup, expressing the fragrances and flavor. Drop the leaves in the cup. Add rose-infused honey simple syrup, crushed ice and Woodford Reserve Bourbon to the cup. Garnish with mint and miniature rose buds."

- Woodford Reserve

And if you are worried about the rose-infused honey simple syrup, this is actually pretty easy. All you really need to do is add rose petals to a mix of honey and water and let it sit in order to infuse the flavor. (While they recommend two weeks for the infusion, you can do 24 hours and still get some of that flavor. You can also make the syrup over heat with the rose petals in the mix and then allow it to cool and the flavor will infuse that way as well.)

If you plan to sip on a Mint Julep while watching the magic of the Kentucky Derby, then this recipe might just be the perfect way to make that happen in style. Woodford Reserve never disappoints and this recipe and their $1K charity program are no exception.

Will you be watching this year's Kentucky Derby? Are you a fan of Woodford Reserve? What do you think of this year's Mint Julep recipe?