C
ClearView News

What is the expensive drink at the Kentucky Derby?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Published Mar 10, 2026

What is the expensive drink at the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby's Most Expensive Mint Juleps Are Off To The Races. With Kentucky Derby Season upon us, suddenly the Mint Julep is everybody's favorite cocktail.

Keeping this in consideration, how much is the most expensive drink at the Kentucky Derby?

It's an iconic spot at the storied racetrack that rarely sees visitors beyond the wasps that have made the 124-year-old structure their home. But this barrel holds the sweetener for 145 of the most elaborate cocktails that will be served at the 145th Kentucky Derby — Woodford Reserve's $1,000 mint julep.

Beside above, how much is a mint julep drink at the Kentucky Derby? Since 2006, Churchill Downs has also served extra-premium custom-made mint juleps at a cost of $1000 each at the Kentucky Derby.

Thereof, how much does the Kentucky Derby drinks cost?

The traditional Kentucky Derby mint julep is made from bourbon, mint and sugar syrup and costs about $9. Beer prices are $3-$6.

What's the most expensive mint julep at the Kentucky Derby?

Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, has created the world's most exclusive mint julep in collaboration with Tiffany & Co. Only 73 of the sterling silver cups will be available at $1,000 apiece; purchasers will be served a julep in the cup at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, May 1st.

Why are there hats at the Derby?

"In the South, women pride themselves on being Southern belles so wearing a hat to the Derby plays off of that. According to the Kentucky Derby's website, the hat-wearing tradition was started by founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who modeled the race after high-class European racing events.

Why are people protesting outside the Kentucky Derby?

Racial justice protesters marched outside Churchill Downs on Saturday in protest of the Kentucky Derby and the continued unjust killings of Black people at the hands of police. She said Black and Brown workers employed by the track continue to be underpaid and exploited by Churchill Downs.

How much are Kentucky Derby tickets for 2020?

The average list price for 2020 Kentucky Derby tickets on the secondary market is $1,423. The least expensive ticket to this year's race is $108 for an infield general admission spot. The most expensive is a listing for $21,925 in the Mansion Club.

Why is it called a mint julep?

The word “julep” derives from the ancient Persian gulab, used to denote a sort of sweetened rosewater (if you've ever had gulab jamun at an Indian restaurant, it's made with just such a syrup). In classical Arabic, the word became julab, only to cross over into Latin as julapium.

Do male or female horses run in the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Oaks vs.

The Oaks is a gender-specific race, allowing only 3-year-old female horses, or fillies, to qualify and compete. The Derby, however, is open to eligible colts, geldings or fillies. While non-male horses are able to compete in the Kentucky Derby race, it's an oddity in the sport.

Why are Mint Juleps so expensive?

Actually, the normal price of a Mint Julep at Churchill Downs hovers around $11 a cup, but for the swanky spenders, the concoction can be priced at $1,000-plus purely because it's sometimes sold in a 24-carat gold plated souvenir cup with a silver straw.

Are fans allowed at this years Kentucky Derby?

The Churchill Downs grandstand will once again welcome fans for Kentucky Derby 2020. LOUISVILLE, Ky. The track expects to be at 40% to 50% capacity in its grandstand when this year's edition of the race is run at Churchill Downs on May 1. Mitigation measures are not expected to be relaxed.

What are the odds for the Kentucky Derby?

The Brad Cox-trained Essential Quality, with four wins on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, is the favorite with 2-1 odds.

Official 2021 Kentucky Derby Morning Line Odds.

(POST) HORSE(9) Hot Rod Charlie
ML ODDS8-1
TRAINER / JOCKEYDoug O'Neill / Flavien Prat
RTKD POINTS110

Can you wear shorts to the Kentucky Derby?

Per the Kentucky Derby dress code, the following articles of clothing are only permitted in the Infield: Denim, jeans, shorts and tennis shoes.

Do they sell alcohol at the Kentucky Derby?

The biggest change for eating and drinking at this year's Kentucky Derby is that for most fans, it's all-inclusive. No individual transactions for food, drinks and snacks. No waiting in long lines to grab a mint julep. For Thurbyon April 29, the reserved seating includes food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Why are there 554 roses for the Kentucky Derby?

Why is the Derby called "The Run for the Roses?" Because the winner gets a blanket of 554 red roses after the race. Each lady would receive a red rose at the parties, and when Churchill Downs' president Colonel Lewis Clark saw their popularity, he made the rose the race's official flower.

How much mint is used at the Kentucky Derby?

Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack. That's a feat that requires more than 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.

What is the best bourbon for a mint julep?

The Best Bourbons for Mint Juleps
  • 7 Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon.
  • 6 Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
  • 5 New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bottled In Bond.
  • 4 Knob Creek 9 Year Single Barrel Reserve.
  • 3 Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon.
  • 2 Stagg Jr.
  • 1 Maker's Mark Cask Strength.

What is the history of hats at the Kentucky Derby?

The tradition of the Kentucky Derby hat began at the inception of the race; the founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. wanted to ensure a good crowd at his event. The tradition of the hat lives on as a fun element to the races (and more practically to keep the sun out of spectator's eyes).

What's in a mint julep?

1 teaspoon Powdered sugar
2 oz. Bourbon whiskey
2 teaspoons Water
4 Mint leaves

How did the Kentucky Derby get its name?

Returning home to Kentucky, Clark organized the Louisville Jockey Club to raise money for building quality racing facilities just outside the city. The track would soon become known as Churchill Downs, named for John and Henry Churchill, who provided the land for the racetrack. The naming went official in 1937.

What horses have won the Triple Crown?

In the history of the Triple Crown, 13 horses have won all three races: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018).

Why is Churchill Downs called Churchill Downs?

The track is named for John and Henry Churchill, who leased 80 acres (32 ha) of land to their nephew, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (grandson of explorer William Clark). Clark was president of the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association, which formed in 1875.