The Mumm Mint Julep Recipe

Do you have plans to celebrate what has been dubbed the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” taking place on Saturday, May 7? Do you know what those “two minutes” are? That would be the annual Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs, which has conducted thoroughbred racing and presented this race continuously since 1875. We can drink to that!

This year, G.H. Mumm, the official champagne of the Kentucky Derby, has shared its take on the Mint Julep, which is the classic drink of the event. Customarily made with whiskey and sugar syrup muddled with mint, this version combines Cognac (brandy) and champagne to create a revitalized version of the conventional southern cocktail. In this julep re-imagining, the sugar cube adds a fun nod to the derby horses. Giddyup!

The Mumm Julep

3 ounces G.H. Mumm Champagne
1/2 ounce Martell Cognac
1 sugar cube
6-7 mint leaves
Mint sprig and strawberry, for garnish

In a julep tin or rocks glass, add mint leaves and sugar cube and a splash of water. Gently press mint leaves with a muddler to release oils.

Add Cognac, Champagne, crushed ice and stir gently. Top with more crushed ice to mound. Garnish with a mint sprig and strawberry.

Mary Subialka is the editor of Real Food and Drinks magazines, covering the flavorful world of food, wine, and spirits. She rarely meets a chicken she doesn’t like, and hopes that her son, who used to eat beets and Indian food as a preschooler, will one day again think of real food as more than something you need to eat before dessert and be inspired by his younger brother, who is now into trying new foods.