2015 Mint Julep Cup Unveiled

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Got a grand to spare? Woodford Reserve has unveiled its 2015 Mint Julep Cup for the Kentucky Derby. The $1,000 Victory Cups were fashioned from the creativity of designer Billy Reid and mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer, and handcrafted at Louisville-based From the Vault.Woodford Reserve Cup pair

“I was inspired by a book I had found many years ago while researching the Kentucky Derby,” Reid said. “The Derby is an event steeped in heritage and tradition, and I’m honored to have been invited to design something as iconic as the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup for a brand as unparalleled as Woodford Reserve.”

There are only 90 Victory Cups are available for purchase online at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis until April 30. There are also 10 gold-plated Winner’s Circle Cups available, also on a first come, first buy basis. They cost a pretty $2,500 each. Unsold cups, if any, will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, May 2.

This is the 10th year for the Mint Julep Cup release, with net proceeds benefit various charities over the past decade. This year’s proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund.

“As a bourbon, one of the things that makes Woodford Reserve so special is our approach to whiskey production and flavor, and this year’s $1,000 Mint Julep recipe is no exception” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “For us, this program represents a huge part of who we are as a brand. We’re proud that this program has given way to more than $410,000 in charitable donations to equine and humanitarian related causes, and are excited to see what the next 10 years hold.”

But what’s a high-end Mint Julep Cup without the actual drink? Wiznitzer fashioned this year’s recipe with a nod to the history behind the cocktail while also appealing to contemporary julep drinkers.

Woodford Reserve® 2015 Kentucky Derby® Mint Julep 

2 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

.75 oz Coconut Palm Sugar Syrup

6-8 Chocolate Mint Sprigs

Candied Orange and Lemon Slices for garnish

Powdered Sugar

Combine ingredients and shake with the mint. In the Julep glass, place 3 sprigs of the mint at the bottom and top with crushed ice. Strain over crushed ice into a julep glass, insert metal spoon straw. Top it with a mint sprig and candied orange/lemon slice and powdered sugar.