Anatomy of a Classic Cocktail: The Mint Julep

Before becoming the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby—and a sure sign of spring in the South—the classic concoction was a centuries-old medicinal elixir

In the South, spring is julep season. Don't wait for Derby Day to enjoy this refresher of a warm-weather drink. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

The Kentucky Derby is almost upon us—the first Saturday of May—and that means mint julep season is on.

While the julep has been the race’s official drink since 1938, the first race was run in 1875, and the drink’s association with it began sometime soon after. And the drink itself goes back centuries earlier.