2 min readThe Kentucky Derby is widely considered one of the most prestigious and refined horse races, a reputation it has held since it first took place at Churchill Downs in 1875. This long-standing tradition goes far beyond simply rooting for a favorite horse—it’s also a chance to showcase flowing pastel fashions, sport extravagant wide-brimmed hats, and, perhaps best of all, enjoy mint juleps served in their signature cups.
If the mint julep—or the cup it comes in—is new to you, here’s a quick overview. This classic cocktail, popular across the South since the early 1700s, blends bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice, and fresh mint. It’s traditionally served in a distinctive silver, tapered cup. The drink was officially named the Kentucky Derby’s signature cocktail in 1937, and today, Churchill Downs serves around 125,000 mint juleps during the event each year, according to the Kentucky Derby organization.
Unlike many cocktails, the julep's dedicated cup is just as significant as the ice-cold beverage it holds. Though the records are conflicting, the first julep cups were likely made in the late 1700s or early 1800s by master Kentucky silversmiths, including Lexington's Asa Blanchard and Louisville's William and Archibald Cooper. The most famous and most luxurious cup, though, is by the late American jeweler Mark Scearce.
His mint julep cup, now known as the Presidential cup, is made entirely of sterling silver and engraved with the presidential seal. Since Scearce first produced his design for retail during Harry Truman's time in the White House, each new president of the United States has been sent a cup engraved with their initials. It was Scearce's way of dating his work, kind of like how each penny is stamped with the year of production.
Though there are many mint julep cups on the market, plenty of which are affordable, there's something special about the real deal. The base is hand-engraved with both an eagle cartouche and the initials of the current president, an ode to the British hallmark system in design. The most luxurious and prized Presidential mint julep cups often come with some sort of personalization, be it a monogram, a family motif, or an engraved icon.
This Derby Day, we raise a julep cup (Presidential or not!) to those competing in the races. May the best horse-and-jockey team win!
