Woodford Reserve is honoring the 152nd running of The Kentucky Derby with a time-honored tradition: The $2,000 and $5,000 Mint Julep Charity Cup program. This year’s cup is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

A total of 152 hand-crafted julep cups, 76 polished pewter and 76 gold-plated sterling silver cups, are available for purchase.

“This year’s julep charity program marries two historic events – the birth of the United States and the most iconic American race, run every year at Churchill Downs since 1875,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said.

The Juleps must be picked up at the $5,000 Mint Julep Experience at Churchill Downs on the days of The Kentucky Oaks and The Kentucky Derby (May 1 and 2, 2026).

Net proceeds from the sale of this year’s julep cups benefit Closely Crafted.

About the Julep Cups

The $2,000 Mint Julep Cup is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, meticulously fashioned from polished pewter. The $5,000 Cup showcases an even more opulent design, featuring heavy gold-plated hand spun sterling silver. Crafted by Louisville jeweler, Graham Newton of From the Vault, both editions feature a sterling silver horse and stars application adorned with 13 lab-created white sapphires, with a sterling silver sipping straw adorned with a copper W/R topper.

Cups can be pre-purchased and picked up at Churchill Downs at the $5,000 Mint Julep Experience during The Kentucky Oaks (Friday, May 1) or The Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 2). A limited number of cups will also be for sale at the track.

About the Charity

Closley Crafted, is a non-profit founded in 2022 by NYC milliner Gigi Burris dedicated to preserving artisan skills in the U.S. fashion industry.

Burris established the non-profit during the pandemic after witnessing many of her local N.Y.C.-based factories closing, resulting in many talented workers losing their jobs.

Gigi Burris, alongside a powerful network of other American designs, retailers and stakeholders, work together to preserve the next generation of crafters by fostering economic growth, local job creation, and sustainable industry practices.,

About the Mint Julep Recipe

This year's mint julep recipe is a classically simple julep honoring the nation's 250th anniversary.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
• One barspoon of simple syrup made with sugar maple syrup slightly spiced with Thomas Jefferson’s favorite spices, cinnamon, and nutmeg
• 5-7 mint leaves

Directions:

Add 5-7 mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup. Muddle to release the aromas. Add Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon and simple syrup. Top the julep cup with ice. Add sipping straw and two sprigs of fresh mint and the garnish – a white and blue Fleur-de-lis and the official flower of both the Kentucky Derby and the USA – the red rose.