Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep honors first Kentucky Derby woman jockey

This year’s Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep honors a Kentucky Derby legend.

While this year’s Kentucky Derby has a September racing date, this year’s Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep celebrates an important milestone. Are you familiar with Jockey Diane Crump?

50 years ago, Jockey Diane Crump became the first female to ride in the Kentucky Derby. While many people are familiar with Triple Crown Winners, Crump deserves the same name recognition as those winning thoroughbreds.

Looking back at racing history, Crump placed 15th with her ride on Fathom. While she did not win, place or show, her ride was a historic moment and one that deserves a moment to celebrate.

Over the past couple of years, Woodford Reserve has celebrated Kentucky Derby traditions with its $1,000 Mint Julep. From a Churchill Downs specially aged ingredient to the iconic cup, these celebratory cocktails are more than just a tradition.

Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris said, “The $1,000 Mint Julep program has become a cherished Derby tradition — and this year we are honored to mark an important moment in Derby history while also raising money for charity.” This year’s cups will benefit Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

There are a total of 146 julep cups, celebrating the 146 years of the Kentucky Derby. The gold-plated cups sell for $2,500 year (25 are available) and the silver plated cups sell for $1,000 each (121 are available). The julep cups are sold at woodfordreservemintjulep.com and will be delivered in time for Derby Day on Saturday, September 5.

Woodford Reserve wants everyone to toast Crump’s achievement. A special cocktail has been created to celebrate the occasion.

Diane Crump Blackberry Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1 barspoon Blackberry Preserves
• 1 barspoon Simple Syrup
• Mint Bitters
• Fresh Blackberries and Mint Sprigs, for garnish
• Crushed Ice

Method:

• At the bottom of the julep cup mix 1 bar spoon of blackberry preserves and 1 bar spoon of simple syrup.
• Add 2 – 4 dashes of mint bitters.
• Fill two-thirds of cup with crushed ice.
• Add sipping straw and Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
• Top off cup with more crushed ice (packed in).
• Top with fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint to garnish.
• Put the mint near the straw, so the smell enhances each sip. Enjoy!

The blackberries are a nice addition to the traditional mint julep. As the official fruit of Kentucky, it adds a different sweetness to the traditional cocktail.

Also, the sipping straw is important to a great mint julep. The cocktail is meant to be sipped from the bottom up, which the straw allows. Consider the straw this year and taste the difference.

As Old Kentucky Home plays at Churchill Downs this year, take a moment to raise a glass to Jockey Diane Crump and her Kentucky Derby achievement.

Do you always have a mint julep on Kentucky Derby Day?