Old Forester Mint Julep
Old Forester Mint Julep is a 1L ready-to-drink cocktail bottled at 60 proof (30% ABV), made with Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky and mint — the bottled version of the Kentucky Derby's signature drink, ready to pour over crushed ice. Brown-Forman introduced it as the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby in 2015. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 30% (60 proof)
- Size: 1L
- Base: Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky with mint
- Style: Ready-to-drink bottled cocktail — just pour over crushed ice
- Designation: The Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby (since 2015)
- Origin: Louisville, Kentucky
The Derby Julep, Already Built
The mint julep has been the Kentucky Derby's traditional drink since the 1930s — commonly dated to 1938 — and Churchill Downs serves well over a hundred thousand of them across Oaks and Derby weekend. This bottle skips the muddling: Brown-Forman builds it on Old Forester, the Louisville bourbon introduced in 1870 as America's first bottled bourbon, and named the bottled cocktail the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby in 2015. Explore the house on the Old Forester vendor page, or browse our bourbon whiskey collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the brand: the nose leads with Old Forester bourbon and fresh garden mint; the palate is bourbon-rich and refreshingly minty; the finish is smooth bourbon with a crisp mint close.
How to Enjoy
Fill a julep cup or highball with crushed ice, pour, and garnish with a fresh mint sprig — that is the whole recipe. Keep a bottle ready for Derby day, or browse more pour-and-go options in our ready-to-drink collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add anything to Old Forester Mint Julep?
No — it is a ready-to-drink cocktail made with Old Forester bourbon and mint. Just pour it over crushed ice.
What proof is Old Forester Mint Julep?
60 proof (30% ABV) in the 1L Derby bottle.
Is Old Forester Mint Julep the official drink of the Kentucky Derby?
Yes — Brown-Forman named the bottled cocktail the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby in 2015. The julep itself has been the Derby's traditional drink since the 1930s.
Derby day in a bottle, no muddler required — order Old Forester Mint Julep online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
