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Where to see, drink mint juleps in New Jersey

Where to see, drink mint juleps in New Jersey

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The 151st Kentucky Derby is May 3, 2025. Visit one of several facilities in North Jersey to watch the race, drink a mint julep and take part in a best dressed competition.

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  • The 151st Kentucky Derby is located on May 3, 2025 in Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • The mint Julep, the official drink of the derby day for almost a century, is easy to prepare and even easier to drink.
  • Bars and restaurants in North Jersey organize wax celebrations with food, drinks and best hat and clothing.

I'm not much for sports betting, but I could rethink this again.

A horse called journalism runs on May 31 in the 151st Kentucky Derby and has the shortest chances in 3 to 1. Now, journalism, the horse will not bring in much if it is successful, but journalism also discipline. It is a risky choice of career, but I have been on it for 15 years.

Winning or losing, one thing is a safe bet: I will take it as my annual excuse for a mint julep, the traditional cocktail of the derby day.

While others are coming and going -the tower (bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice) has been increasingly popular since its introduction in the derby in 2018 -the MInZ -JULEP is timeless. The combination of bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves and ice on the race on race day for over a century millions of downs and beyond.

If you don't know anything about horse races, but still want to take part in this Americana tradition, don't worry. Simply take a silly hat and go to one of several facilities in North -Jersey that show the race and serve MInz -Juleps. Or do one at home with some tips below.

What is a mint julep?

The mint Julep, which is served in the Kentucky Derby, is a moved cocktail from Woodford Reserve Bourbon, simple syrup, three fresh mint leaves and ice cream. But as with other cocktails, the mint julep is more than the sum of its parts – its story goes back hundreds of years.

A “Julep” is essentially sugar water with herbs, medicine or alcohol. It was probably in Persia in the 14th century and has been mainly medical and alcohol -free for hundreds of years.

The Julep seized in the Southern Society from the 19th century and with bourbon or rum as a base. It is believed that the statesman Henry Clay in Kentucky introduced the drink in the late 1840s in his favorite meeting point, the Willard Hotel Willard.

Churchill Downs served shortly after the opening in 1875 MINZ -Juleps. Finally, it became the official cocktail of the Derby Day in 1938, and it is estimated that around 120,000 coin juleps are consumed on the route every year.

How to make a mint julep

The mint julep is a simple drink with a simple recipe.

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep's official recipe gently demands coin leaves and wiped it on the inside of her glass, which a metal cup or a cup can be. Then pour 2 ounces of Woodford reserve bourbon, half an ounces made of simple syrup (made by boiling sugar in equal parts with water until it is dissolved) and let it fill it. Stir, add the leaves to garnish and you can get started.

If you have guests (or expect to drink a lot of juleps), make a big batch. To optimize the process: pour your bourbon into a jug, confuse coin chief with the alcohol in the pitcher (and let it steep for at least 10 minutes) and add a simple syrup (start with a small amount; you can add more and more). If you are ready to serve, wipe the glasses with mint leaves, fill with ice, pour in with mint and garnish them.

And a note about the Bourbon: Although I like Woodford Reserve, a pasture bourbon like Maker's Mark or Wellers Special Reserve or a rye, gives you a smooth, somewhat sweeter sip. I personally like four Roses Small Charge as an affordable, balanced bourbon and base for cocktails like The Mint Julep.

Where can you watch the Kentucky Derby in North Jersey (with a mint -julep in your hand)?

The Kentucky Derby is a social occasion, perhaps more than any other US sporting event outside the Super Bowl. As such, people go into it, especially with their outfits. Rarely can you wear a sombrero that is distributed with peacock springs or a seersucker suit and a magnificent pocket square and feel normal.

If you are looking for such afternoon, visit one of these facilities in North Jersey on May 3 to experience the full experience of Kentucky Derby.

  • 100 Proof Bar and Bites, Butler. 15-17 Derby cocktails, hat competition and a special guest appearance by Duncan The Horse. 227 Main St, Butler; 973-291-4418, 100 proofbutler.com.
  • 1776 Morristown. 5-7:30 p.m. A ticket for $ 45 contains food and admission, and there will be a cash bar, the best dressed prices and the use of the top golf swing suite. 67 Park Place, Morristown; 973-829-1776Present 1776morristown.com.
  • Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick. 3-7:30 p.m. Essen, cocktails, best dressed competitions, trivia, tastings and more. 2 Albany St., New Brunswick; 732-873-1234, Hyatt.com/hyatt rainy.
  • Lido, hacking. All day. $ 8 mint juleps all day; Derby Wear encouraged. 701 Main St, Hackensack; 201-487-8721, Thelidorestaurant.com.
  • Meadowland's racetrack, East Rutherford. 9 a.m. RACEDAY LIVESTREAM from Churchill Downs, hat competition, food and drinks and giveaways. 1 race track, East Rutherford; 201-843-2446, Playmadowlands.com.
  • NJ Food and Wine Festival in the Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Mint Juleps and Bourbon Tastings on First Come, First Serve Base. 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg; 973-862-4351, njwinefoodfest.com/events/kentucky-derby-Viewing-party-2025.
  • Oakley cuisine and cocktails, Nutley. 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. Prices for the best dressed, light bites, cash bar and much more. 789 Bloomfield Ave., Nutley; 973-542-8676, theoakleykitchen.com.
  • Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton. 16-9 pm derby food, drinks, music, games and auctions. 56 Main St, Clinton; 908-735-4101, Theredmill.org.
  • Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station. 16-11 pm food stations, passed starters and signature mint juleps. Derby Wear encouraged. 115 Old Hwy 28, Whitehouse Station; 908-534-4011, rylandinnnj.com.
  • Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey. All day. Drink specials, giveaways, best dressed and best derby hat competition with prices. 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton, 97) -284-0200 and 1200 NJ-17, Ramsey, 201-962-7602; theshannonrose.com.

When is the Kentucky Derby 2025?

The 151st Run for the Roses in Churchill Downs is on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The Kentucky Derby is broadcast on NBC and USA Network. You can find streaming options on Fubo (which offers a free trial version) and peacocks.

  • Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Time: 6:45 p.m. et
  • TV: NBC, USA Network
  • Stream: Fubo, Pfau
  • Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)

Matt Cortina is a grocery reporter for Northjersey.com/the Record. Reach it at mcortina@gannett.com.

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