Date:  February 27, 2026  |   Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |  

Just in time for the Arkansas Derby, learn to mix your own Triple Crown-worthy mint juleps

There are certain occasions when you simply must forgo your usual cocktail order for the season’s speciality: think eggnog at Christmas, a pint of Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day, and a mint julep on Derby Day. Popularized by the Kentucky Derby, which named it the event’s official drink in 1938, the mint julep has evolved to be a symbol of the South. Strong and sweet, easygoing yet sophisticated in its frosted eponymous silver cup, the mint julep is a perfect picture of congeniality.

The Arkansas Derby, held annually at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, is a qualifier for May’s Kentucky Derby. Here in The Natural State, racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike flock to the racetrack to place their bets and cheer on the thoroughbreds, hoping there’s another Smarty Jones or American Pharoah among them. To celebrate the event, held this year on March 28, we’re bringing you the simple, sugary mint julep recipe but with an Arkansas twist. Just substitute Kentucky bourbon with one distilled locally and you’re off to the races.

RECIPE: ARKANSAS MINT JULEP

While a classic recipe calls for muddling the mint, infusing the simple syrup with the herb will take your cocktail to the next level. This method also allows you to easily make several servings at once.

SHOP
2 cups water
2 cups white sugar
½ cup mint leaves, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Arkansas bourbon
crushed ice

PREPARE
To make mint-infused simple syrup, combine water, sugar, and mint in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Once cooled, strain mint from syrup and refrigerate in a sealed container.
When ready to serve, fill a chilled silver cup with crushed ice. Add 2 ounces bourbon, then top with ½ to 2 ounces simple syrup, depending on your taste. Garnish with mint sprigs, sip, and enjoy.

Note: Traditional simple syrup is made with a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust the amount of sugar in your mint syrup according to your taste.

LOCAL FLAVOR
A few of our favorite Arkansas bourbons

Rock Town Distillery Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled in Little Rock
Fox Trail Wild Parallel Original Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled in Rogers
Delta Dirt Distillery Sweet Roots Arkansas Brown
Distilled in Helena

Thanks to Box Turtle and Eggshells Kitchen Co. for the use of bar accessories for this shoot.