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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 03: A mint julep sits out ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 03, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Grace Bradley/Getty Images)
The Kentucky Derby has never had a problem drawing a crowd. This year, Churchill Downs is expecting a star-studded attendance, ranging from athletes to entertainers.
But the biggest celebrity might be on the drink menu. The Kentucky Derby unveiled a special $5,000 mint julep cocktail on their drink menu, with proceeds going to charity.
All for a good cause at the 152nd Kentucky Derby! 🐎🥂
The charity julep is covered in unique details from the cup in which it’s served to the straw. The cocktail is served in a sterling silver cup that is plated in 24-karat gold and has “152nd Kentucky Derby” engraved on the front. Each cup features a silver thoroughbred horse medallion surrounded by 13 stars, which represents the 13 colonies and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. It also comes with a sterling silver Woodford Reserve straw.
What is in the Specialty $5,000 Mint Julep?
The cocktail starts with a Kentucky Colonel mint and a syrup that is made by the master distiller Emeritus Chris Morris of Woodford Reserve. The syrup is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
The spirit of choice is a Woodford Reserve double oaked bourbon. The specialty julep is garnished with a small bouquet of red, white and blue flowers to top it all off.
Kyle Har is a sports reporter focused on the MLB and NFL, covering the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers for Heavy.com. He has four years of experience as a sports radio producer at KNBR in San Francisco and works as a co-host for their Warriors postgame show, "Dubs OT," and weekly Warriors talk show "Just Dubs." More about Kyle Har