Run for the Roses with a Classic Mint Julep

ROCKWALL, TX (April 26, 2023) As an avid equestrian and horse owner, the Kentucky Derby is one of my favorite days of the year. Any excuse to wear a fascinator and drink bourbon, I love!

When planning a Derby party, there are several musts: red roses (it is, after all, the Run for the Roses!), southern food, mint juleps, and fabulous fashion. Part of the fun of any good Derby party is admiring the outfits.

For my Derby party, I styled the table with large silver equestrian trophies filled with red roses, a white lace tablecloth, white lace napkins, and red rose napkin rings. I even built a rose wall for less than $200 using plywood, Astro turf, and rose garlands that I’ve since used for many garden parties.

I have tons of Derby recipes on therosetable.com under Entertaining -> Kentucky Derby such as Mint Julep Brownies, Southern Style Green Beans, Chicken and Waffles with Pimento Cheese and Bourbon Maple Syrup, Southern Tomato Pie, Deviled Eggs, and more – but the most important recipe of all is a classic Mint Julep. Here’s The Rose Table’s version.

Mint Julep

2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz mint simple syrup (recipe follows)
3 mint sprigs
Finely crushed ice

Fill mint julep glasses with crushed ice and a straw. Pour bourbon and simple syrup over ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

Mint Simple Syrup

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

Bring sugar, water, and mint leaves to a boil in a small sauce pan until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool and strain to remove the mint leaves.

Mint Julep Pitcher

1 cup mint simple syrup
4 cups bourbon
Torn mint leaves
Crushed ice, mint sprigs for serving

Pour mint simple syrup and bourbon in a pitcher and stir. Add torn mint leaves. Serve with crushed ice and mint sprigs.

By Katie Rose Watson, who often covers Rockwall on therosetable.com, from the Farmers Market to Founder’s Day Festival. The Rose Table has over 200,000 fans on Facebook (fb.com/therosetable), millions of video views, and can be found on TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube @therosetable.