The Nashville Mint Julep: A Tennessee Twist on a Derby Classic
I. So, What’s the Deal with the Mint Julep?
If you've ever been to the Kentucky Derby—or even just watched it from your living room—you've probably heard of the Mint Julep. It is the drink of horse racing’s biggest weekend. More than 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs during Derby weekend alone. That’s a whole lot of crushed ice.
While the Mint Julep is closely tied to Kentucky bourbon, Tennessee has its own long-standing whiskey tradition—and let’s be honest, it’s one worth sipping on.
We’re not here to knock the classics. Bourbon purists, don’t come for us. But if you're the type who likes to venture off the beaten path (like say, with a guided Nashville whiskey tour through Middle Tennessee), then we’ve got something special for you: a Tennessee spin on a Southern classic. It's got the same refreshing minty vibes, but with a richer, smoother finish thanks to—you guessed it—Tennessee whiskey.
In this post, we’re diving into:
A quick history of the Mint Julep (and how it became a Derby icon)
The difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey
And most importantly, a Tennessee whiskey cocktail recipe you’ll actually want to make this weekend
So whether you're dressing up for Derby Day or just looking to upgrade your cocktail game, stick around. We’ve got your new favorite drink coming up—and it pairs really well with a tour of local distilleries.
II. A Quick Sip Through History: The Mint Julep’s Roots
Before the Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, it had a much humbler—and more medicinal—beginning.
Back in the late 1700s, juleps were used as a way to make medicine go down easier. Imagine being handed a blend of crushed mint, sugar, and a splash of spirits to help cure what ails you. (Honestly, we’d take that over cherry cough syrup any day.) It was even thought of as a health elixir! Eventually, the drink evolved from “functional” to “fun,” especially once folks started adding Southern bourbon into the mix.
By the 1800s, juleps were all the rage at fancy breakfast gatherings and high-end bars across the South. And in 1938, Churchill Downs made Mint Julep became the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. Silver cups, crushed ice, fresh mint—it became a whole thing. Today, it’s nearly impossible to imagine Derby Day without one.
But here’s where things get interesting: while Kentucky bourbon is usually the star of the show, the basic formula—a spirit, sugar, mint, and ice—is open for interpretation. And that’s where Tennessee whiskey will shake things up.
And hey, if you’re already planning a visit to Nashville or looking for the best way to experience Southern cocktail culture, this little detour from bourbon country might be just the thing.
III. Bourbon vs. Tennessee Whiskey: What’s the Difference?
Alright, let’s settle this once and for all—what’s the real difference between Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky bourbon? After all, both are made with mostly corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and distilled in the South. So what gives?
The short answer: it’s all about the process.
The long answer? Let’s break it down:
1. Geography
Bourbon can technically be made anywhere in the U.S.—yes, even in California—but Kentucky has the name recognition.
Tennessee whiskey, on the other hand, must be made in—you guessed it—Tennessee.
2. The Lincoln County Process
This is the biggie. Tennessee whiskey goes through an extra step called charcoal mellowing, where the spirit is slowly filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging. This process gives it a smoother, slightly sweeter profile compared to your average bourbon.
3. The Vibe (Yeah, We Said It)
Bourbon has long claimed the spotlight at the Derby. But Tennessee whiskey brings a slightly bolder, rounder flavor to the table. It’s got that same Southern pedigree, but with its own distinct personality—kind of like Nashville compared to Louisville.
So when you swap out the bourbon in a Mint Julep and replace it with Tennessee whiskey, you’re not just being rebellious. You’re adding a richer, smoother flavor that still plays well with mint, sugar, and ice.
And if you’re already exploring Nashville bourbon experiences or planning a whiskey tasting tour, trying the Tennessee version of a julep is a no-brainer.
IV. The Nashville Mint Julep: A Tennessee Take on a Derby Classic
We love a good Mint Julep. But we also believe in showing off the smooth, mellow magic of Tennessee whiskey—especially when Derby Day rolls around. That’s why we created our own version of the classic: The Nashville Mint Julep.
It’s a little sweet, a little smoky, and 100% Tennessee. Whether you're tailgating, porch-sitting, or throwing a Derby party, this cocktail is your new go-to.
The Nashville Mint Julep
What you’ll need:
2 oz Tennessee whiskey
(We recommend Uncle Nearest 1856 or Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select—both distilleries are on our tour roster, by the way.)½ oz sorghum syrup or maple simple syrup
(Adds Southern depth you won’t get with plain sugar.)8–10 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
Mint sprig & orange zest for garnish
How to make it:
Gently muddle the mint and syrup together in a julep cup or rocks glass. Don’t pulverize it—you’re making a drink, not pesto.
Pour in the Tennessee whiskey and give it a stir.
Pack the glass with crushed ice. Like, really pack it in there.
Stir again until the outside of the glass frosts over.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a twist of orange zest. Bonus points if your glass is pewter or copper.
Pro Tip:
Hosting friends for the Derby? Set up a DIY julep bar with different Tennessee whiskeys and garnishes so guests can mix their own. (Just don’t forget the crushed ice—this isn’t the time for cubes.)
This cocktail hits all the classic notes you’d expect from a Mint Julep, but with a distinctly Tennessee whiskey finish. It’s bold, it’s smooth, and it might just become your new favorite springtime drink.
V. Want to Sip the Real Thing? Let’s Hit the Road.
If reading this made you thirsty, imagine how it feels standing inside a real Tennessee distillery, sipping whiskey just a few feet from where it was made.
At Tennessee Whiskey Tours, we take guests on immersive, guided tours to some of the most iconic and up-and-coming distilleries in the state—including Uncle Nearest, Jack Daniel’s, and other small-batch producers you’ll want to brag about discovering first.
Whether you’re visiting Nashville for the weekend or planning a corporate outing, our tours are a great way to:
Learn how Tennessee whiskey is made
Sample the good stuff (without worrying about who’s driving)
Explore the scenic backroads of Middle Tennessee
And yes—drink a variety of whiskies in the places they were born
So if you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby this weekend but want to give your taste buds something new, skip the bourbon and give the Nashville Mint Julep a try.
Even better? Come tour the distilleries that inspired it.
Book Your Nashville Whiskey Tour Today
Browse our daily departures, private group options, and custom experiences at tennesseewhiskeytours.com. We’ll take care of the planning—you just bring your crew and your thirst for adventure (and maybe a Derby hat).