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Creative Mint Julep Recipes For Your Next Kentucky Derby Party

by Kiersten Hickman

Get your bourbon and julep cups ready — it’s finally Derby season! The 2017 Kentucky Derby will take place on May 5 and 6, which means it’s time to make all of the mint juleps that your heart could ever desire to celebrate. And, if you’re drinking a ton of juleps in that two-day period, you’re probably going to want a few creative mint julep recipes to play around with.

Mint Juleps have been an iconic cocktail at the Kentucky Derby for over 80 years. During that two-day period, according to PBS, over 120,000 mint juleps are sold at Churchill Downs, where the race takes place in Kentucky. Before they were sold at the Derby, mint juleps were sold at Kentucky county fairs since 1816. Mint juleps have also been known as a “breakfast drink,” since the powdered sugar in the drink gave folks a sweet start to their day. I’m telling you, if there are people out there who still replace their morning orange juice with mint juleps, then I am all in for a brunch party with them. (As long as there’s coffee and waffles, of course.)

Now, before you dive into this list of recipes, be sure to invest in some silver goblets to serve the juleps in. Yes, these julep cups may seem pointless, but they are essential for the drink, as well as the aesthetic for the Kentucky Derby. I mean, who would try drinking a Moscow Mule without that copper mug? Slim to none. So give the mint julep a fair chance with the proper cup as well (although ironically a lot of these don't have them. Womp womp).

Classic Mint Juleps

Sure there are tons of ways to make a mint julep, but you can never go wrong with a classic recipe like this one by Joy the Baker.

Pitcher Of Mint Juleps

Having a bunch of people over to watch the Kentucky Derby? Make this pitcher of mint juleps to share with The Kitchn.

Moonshine Mint Julep

Talk about a very southern drink! Put together a mint julep with some moonshine with Endless Simmer for some boozy Derby festivities!

Blueberry Mint Juleps

Now on to the many different fruit combinations for mint juleps — try this blueberry recipe by How Sweet Eats!

Strawberry-Infused Bourbon Mint Julep

Bourbon is an essential part of this iconic cocktail for the Kentucky Derby, so combine the two with this julep recipe by Cookie and Kate!

Pineapple Mint Juleps

Another great fruit add-in recipe by How Sweet Eats!

Ginger Mint Juleps

Ginger and mint seem to always go well together, especially when there’s a little pineapple thrown in the mix! Try this unique recipe by The Kitchn.

Raspberry Mint Juleps

One of my favorite all-time fruits! This raspberry mint julep recipe by I Am A Food Blog looks very delicious.

Blackberry Mint Juleps

Followed by my second all-time favorite fruit; blackberries! Try this Blackberry Mint Julep recipe by Jelly Toast Blog.

Pineapple Mint Julep Sangria

Not just a pineapple mint julep, but a delicious sangria recipe by A Farmgirl’s Dabbles to make for a large party!

Champagne Julep

This recipe by The Kitchn is an ode to The Great Gatsby. A great cocktail to watch during the Derby, ol’ sport!

Cherry Julep Slushies

Now onto my least favorite fruit of all-time... but if you’re into cherries, I guess this is the perfect julep recipe by How Sweet Eats, given that it’s a slushy and all...

Cranberry Mint Juleps

Throw in a little holiday-cheer this Kentucky Derby with this Cranberry Mint Julep recipe by The Little Epicurean.

Strawberry Mango Mint Julep Fruit Salad With Whipped Marshmallow

Not feeling like having a drink? This fruit salad recipe by How Sweet Eats with, yes whipped marshmallow, looks absolutely ah-mazing.

Watermelon Mint Juleps

There are a ton of Watermelon Mint Julep recipes out there, so I have a feeling this a must for your Kentucky Derby watching party! Try this recipe by How Sweet Eats.

Strawberry Rhubarb Julep

Don’t underestimate the combination of strawberry and rhubarb — it’s divine! Try this recipe by Food Fanatic for something a bit different in your mint julep this Derby.

Sparkling Mint Julep

Who could ever say no to a sparkling cocktail? Not I, nor Love and Lemons, could ever say no!

Frozen Peach Vanilla Mint Juleps

If an influx of mint juleps on Derby day wasn’t enough of a cause for celebration, than the sweet bliss of frozen beach and vanilla will certainly be with this recipe by How Sweet Eats!

Mint Julep Garnitas

A Cozy Kitchen is trying something a bit different with your mint juleps. Hint, hint, something about steeping the bourbon with mint...

Mint Julep Jello Shots

If you’re not into cocktails, than these jello shots by Brown Eyed Baker will certainly do!

Bourbon Peach Julep Fizz

Bourbon, peaches, juleps and fizzy drinks...what more could a southern belle ask for? This recipe by I Am A Food Blog will bring that southern charm to your Derby party.

Blood Orange Mint Julep

Another great fruit combination for a julep — blood orange! Check this recipe out at Climbing Grier Mountain.

Rosemary Lemonade Julep

Last, but definitely not least, this Rosemary Lemonade Julep will probably make people go crazy because... I mean... lemonade is the bomb diggity. Get the recipe over at The Crepes of Wrath!