What if you could drink a super-expensive, bourbon-based libation, take home the ultimate luxury souvenir of the 2018 Kentucky Derby and get one step closer to making Jennifer Lawrence your best friend? That, in theory, is what purchasing Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby cocktail—a $1,000 Mint Julep in a cup made of sterling silver and 18k gold—could do.
The cups are handcrafted by Louisville-based jeweler, From the Vault, and each is adorned with embellishments representative of Kentucky. The Twin Spires appear on the cup as a nod to Woodford Reserve’s inaugural year as the Derby’s presenting sponsor. Running lines around the cup symbolize the limestone-filtered water, a key ingredient that makes for the best bourbon: Not only is the water superior for bourbon production, but it is also one of the elements that make thoroughbred champions in Kentucky (limestone water is iron-free and rich in calcium and magnesium, which is perfect for the development and strengthening of horses’ bones). The cups also feature three sterling silver applications: a thoroughbred horse and jockey, a bottle of Woodford Reserve, and a rose as an ode to the “Run for the Roses.”
Each of the $1,000 “Bluegrass Cups” feature high-polished sterling silver rose applications plated in 18 karat yellow gold. The $2,500 “Commonwealth Cup” is a sterling silver cup with a 24-karat heavy reliquary quality gold plating, with a striking contrast of sterling silver detail. Each cup will be presented in a wooden box lined with silks like those worn by jockeys. Cup buyers will have access to the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Tent and bar on derby day,
where they will receive their handcrafted mint julep.
Best yet, the cups benefit a cause. Each year, Woodford Reserve selects a charitable organization to receive the net proceeds from the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales with more than $450,000 raised for equine and racing charities to-date. This year’s receiving charity, the Jennifer Lawrence Arts Fund, was created in 2016 by Louisville native and Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence to assist and empower organizations that fulfill children’s needs and drives art access to positively impact the lives of young people.
Even if you’re not one of the lucky few to attend The Derby or purchase one of the charitable commemorative cups, you can still make this signature drink—crafted by Woodford Reserve’s newly appointed Assistant Master Distiller, Elizabeth McCall, and Master Distiller, Chris Morris—at home. Here’s how.
HOW TO MAKE WOODFORD RESERVE’S $1000 MINT JULEP AT HOME
Ingredients
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 tsp Woodford County, Kentucky, Sorghum Simple Syrup
2 Leaves of Kentucky Colonel Mint
Garnish: 3 spray red roses, a sprig of mint and a single rose petal from the Garland of Roses, which is draped on the winning Derby horse.
Instructions
Rub mint around the julep cup, expressing the essential oils. Add remaining ingredients and top with crushed ice made from limestone-filtered water sourced from the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Churn ingredients with a bar spoon distributing the flavor. Top with additional crushed ice and garnish.
