If you’re heading to the Kentucky Derby thinking your wallet will escape unscathed, think again. While the horses will take center stage at Churchill Downs this Saturday, the real jaw-dropper might be what’s in your glass, and more importantly, what it costs.
The iconic Mint Julep, a Derby staple, is making headlines for its eye-watering price tag. Sure, you can grab one in a basic cup for $22, which is already steep by most standards.
But if you’re feeling especially bold (and flush with cash), you can opt for the $1,000 version in a polished-pewter cup. Or go all in with the ultra-luxury $5,000 cocktail served in a 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver cup.
Needless to say, fans were not impressed by the insane price tags for cocktails at the Derby.
Will Uncle Andolf investigate price gouging at Churchill?
— IHC3006 (@enbloc30m1) April 28, 2025
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Lived in the Ville my entire life…..
— towmader (@towmader3) April 28, 2025
Never been to Derby for that exact reason
Local parties are wayy better and cheaper…..
The $5,000 Julep: Limited Edition, Big Price Tag
Churchill Downs offers only 51 of the $5,000 Mint Juleps, according to Front Office Sports, with proceeds supporting charitable causes. Each drink features Woodford Reserve bourbon, served in a custom gold-plated cup that doubles as a high-end keepsake. For those seeking a slightly less extravagant souvenir, 100 of the $1,000 juleps will be available in polished-pewter cups.
This isn’t just a marketing gimmick. The Derby has a long history with the Mint Julep, dating back to 1939 when Churchill Downs first began selling the drink in souvenir glasses for 75 cents. Fast forward to 2025, and the cocktail’s pricing evolution has stunned longtime racegoers and new fans alike.
“I thought I misread the menu,” one attendee told The Courier Journal. “I expected it to be expensive, but five grand for a drink? That’s wild.”
Beyond the sticker shock, the demand for bourbon around the Derby remains staggering. Front Office Sports reports that the event burns through 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 2,250 pounds of mint, and nearly half a million pounds of ice. Kentucky, home to more than 14 million aging barrels of bourbon, leans into the moment every year.
With the 151st Kentucky Derby set to begin at 6:57 p.m. ET on NBC, the track action will undoubtedly captivate viewers. But for now, social media continues buzzing over a cocktail with a price tag that rivals luxury jewelry. For better or worse, the Mint Julep is stealing the show, one expensive sip at a time.
