Churchill Downs Unveils $5,000 Gold Mint Julep Cup for Charity at 152nd Kentucky Derby

Key facts

• Churchill Downs unveiled a $5,000 charity mint julep served in a 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver cup engraved with '152nd Kentucky Derby'.
• Proceeds from the $5,000 julep go to charity.
• The cup includes a Sterling silver Woodford Reserve straw.
• Churchill Downs executive chef David Danielson oversees julep production for 400,000 guests.
• An estimated 127,000 mint juleps are prepared for Derby Day.
• The track uses 254,000 ounces of bourbon (over 10,000 750ml bottles), 300 crates of mint (about 4,000 pounds from Dohn Gardens in Louisville), and 60,000 pounds of ice.
• Over 1,000 workers are involved in julep preparation.
• Derby Day runs from 8 a.m. to 8:10 p.m., with juleps served throughout.

A Golden Julep for a Cause

Churchill Downs has introduced a $5,000 mint julep served in a 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver cup, with all proceeds directed to charity. The cup, engraved with '152nd Kentucky Derby', also comes with a Sterling silver Woodford Reserve straw. Master distiller Elizabeth McCall showcased the cup amid swirling rumors about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's alleged stake in a horse.

The Scale of Derby Day Julep Production

Executive chef David Danielson, who has worked the Derby for nine years, leads an army of over 1,000 workers to produce an estimated 127,000 mint juleps for the 400,000 guests. Preparations begin in August of the previous year. 'We’ve got an army of people over here working to get everything geared up,' Danielson said. The bourbon-filled cocktails are poured from 8 a.m. until last call at 8:10 p.m.

The Ingredients Behind 127,000 Juleps

Churchill Downs uses 254,000 ounces of bourbon—over 10,000 750-milliliter bottles—300 crates of mint (about 4,000 pounds from Louisville’s Dohn Gardens), and 60,000 pounds of ice. The signature bourbon is Woodford Reserve. 'Woodford is a very smooth bourbon. It has a great flavor profile and delicious caramel notes,' Danielson explained. He noted that other bourbons can be too spicy or too mellow for the cocktail.

Chef Danielson’s Tips for Home Juleps

Danielson recommends making a mint simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water, then steeping mint and straining. This replaces individual sugar scoops. 'We make a mint simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water. We bring it to a boil and add mint to it. Then we let it steep and strain it off,' he said. The bourbon-syrup mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated. 'Take your ice out, pour [this boozy mixture] over top, garnish it, and you’re literally off to the races, my friend,' Danielson added.

The Importance of Crushed Ice

Crushed ice is non-negotiable for an authentic julep. 'Historically, juleps were a sign of prosperity,' Danielson noted. 'Ice was a commodity, and so when you wanted to entertain or show people you were in society, you showed people you had ice. If you had crushed ice piled high in a glass, you were really doing well.' The track uses 60,000 pounds of ice to achieve the proper texture.

A Tradition Since 1875

The Kentucky Derby, first run in 1875, is billed as 'the fastest two minutes in sports,' but the mint julep tradition turns the event into an all-day affair. The charity julep adds a philanthropic layer to the pageantry, with the gold cup serving as both a collectible and a donation vehicle. The 152nd running takes place Saturday, May 2.

The bottom line

• Churchill Downs is selling a $5,000 charity mint julep in a 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver cup engraved with '152nd Kentucky Derby'.
• The track produces 127,000 mint juleps for 400,000 guests using 254,000 ounces of Woodford Reserve bourbon, 4,000 pounds of mint, and 60,000 pounds of ice.
• Executive chef David Danielson recommends mint simple syrup and crushed ice for home juleps.
• Over 1,000 workers prepare the juleps, with preparations starting in August of the previous year.
• The charity julep cup includes a Sterling silver Woodford Reserve straw and proceeds benefit charity.