Mint Julep Cups

Sterling Mint Julep Cup by Piazzi Silversmiths, Italy 3 1/2" height Code: PZIMIHS SMJ

Sterling Mint Julep Cup by Carr's of Sheffield 3 1/2" height Code: CSFMIHS SMJ

Sterling Mint Julep Cup by Kirk Silversmiths (3 1/2" height) Code: KIS277 SMJ

Sterling Mint Julep Cup by Poole Silver Company 3 3/4" height Code: POS58 SMJ

Sterling Mint Julep Cup by International Silver 3 3/4" height Code: INSP699 SMJ

Sterling Mint Julep Cup by Galmer Silver 4 1/8" height Code: GAVGAV3 SMJ

Kentucky Derby Collectible Glasses (By Year) Code: CO KEDMISGLW

Made of ice, sugar, fresh mint, and bourbon whiskey, this beverage has become an integral part of the annual Kentucky Derby celebration. The mint julep drink is thought to have originated several centuries ago. As legend has it, the mint julep was inspired by an Arabic drink that was made with water and fragrant flower petals. In the early 1700’s, a similar drink made its appearance on the American east coast. It became especially popular in the American southeast. This hybrid of the Arabic drink was made using fresh mint leaves and bourbon whiskey.

The term "mint julep" first appeared in 1803 in a Virginia publication, and the drink initially was served as a breakfast drink for farmers! It was said that the invigorating smell of fresh mint would help awaken the farmers and the drink got them off to a fast start. According to the Derby Museum, the mint julep became the staple drink of Derby-goers by 1938. At that time, the drink sold for about $0.75 per serving. Click the links above to create an annual Derby tradition in your home by ordering a few of these great sterling cups or enameled glassware pieces. You can also order by calling us toll free at at 1-800-REPLACE (1-800-737-5223) seven days a week, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET (our average answer speed is 8 seconds!). We even feature a couple of recipes below, if you are so inclined!

Mint Julep

2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
fresh mint
crushed ice
bourbon

Make mint syrup by boiling water and sugar for about five minutes. Set aside to cool. Add bruised mint sprigs to mixture and place in refrigerator overnight. To make the beverage, fill one of your new sterling mint julep cups with ice, add 1 teaspoon of mint syrup, and two ounces of bourbon. Stir and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Mint Julep Iced Tea

8 mint leaves
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced lime
1 cup bourbon
3 cups of sweetened ice tea
cubed or crushed ice

Combine mint leaves, lemon, and lime in a 2 quart pitcher. Be sure to crush or bruise mint. Stir in bourbon or tea and add ice. Serve in iced tea glass or mint julep cup and garnish with fresh mint.