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National Mint Julep Day

Cheers to National Mint Julep Day! Sip on this refreshing and classic cocktail, perfect for a summer day or any occasion.

Sunday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 30

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYAlcohol

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate National Mint Julep Day on May 30! This refreshing cocktail has been a beloved drink in the southern United States since the 18th century, and is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. The classic recipe consists of bourbon, sugar, water, and of course, fresh mint leaves. It's the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day or to enjoy while watching your favorite horse race. So mix up a batch of this delicious drink and toast to its rich history and irresistible taste!

TIMELINE

National Mint Julep Day Timeline

Mint Julep Origins

Origins of the mint julep can be traced back to the southern United States in the 18th century, where it was a popular choice for its refreshing blend of bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves.

Official Drink of Kentucky Derby

The mint julep was made the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, one of the oldest horse races in the United States, further popularizing it across the country.

Growth in Popularity

During the 1970s, the popularity of the mint julep spread beyond the United States with it becoming a staple summer cocktail around the world.

First National Mint Julep Day

The first official National Mint Julep Day was celebrated on May 30, providing mint julep enthusiasts a special day to raise a glass to this classic cocktail.

Mint Julep In Cocktail Culture

The cocktail is embraced in popular culture, with various new and creative twists on the classic recipe entering bars and restaurants around the world.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Mint Julep Day

Host a Mint Julep tasting party

Invite friends over and have everyone bring a different kind of mint julep for a fun tasting party. You can compare and rate each one to determine the best recipe.

MAKE

Make your own Mint Juleps

Learn how to make your own Mint Juleps at home and impress your friends with your mixology skills. You can experiment with different variations and find your perfect recipe.

DRESS

Dress up in Kentucky Derby attire

Since Mint Juleps are the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, why not celebrate National Mint Julep Day by dressing up in your best derby attire? Ladies can wear big hats while men can sport seersucker suits.

VISIT

Visit a local bourbon distillery

Take a tour of a local bourbon distillery to learn more about the history and process of making this key ingredient in Mint Juleps. You may even get to sample some bourbon along the way.

CREATE

Create Mint Julep-inspired desserts

Put a twist on traditional Mint Juleps by turning them into delicious desserts. Some ideas include Mint Julep cupcakes, ice cream, or even a mint julep flavored cheesecake.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Mint Julep Day

It's easy to make at home

You don't have to go out to a fancy bar or restaurant to enjoy a delicious mint julep - you can make one right at home! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a refreshing cocktail any time you want. Plus, you can play around with different variations and find the perfect blend for your taste buds.

Refreshing and delicious

The combination of mint, sugar and bourbon makes for a refreshing and delightful drink that is hard to resist. The mint julep's sweet flavor is perfect for those hot summer days or when you just want to relax with a cool drink in hand.

Tradition

The mint julep has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was thought to have been created by Virginians who combined their love for rum and whiskey with the abundance of fresh mint growing in the area. Celebrating National Mint Julep Day gives us a chance to pay homage to this classic American drink.