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# Hats, Mint Juleps & Roses: Kentucky Derby Staples Explained

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<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/QLi9s4HE.m3u8" -->
## Video: Hats, Mint Juleps & Roses: Kentucky Derby Staples Explained

[Watch (HLS stream): Hats, Mint Juleps & Roses: Kentucky Derby Staples Explained](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/QLi9s4HE.m3u8) (1:42)

![Hats, Mint Juleps & Roses: Kentucky Derby Staples Explained](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/QLi9s4HE/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2015-05-02. Here's an explanation of some of the Kentucky Derby's most iconic traditions, including the origins of big hats and mint juleps at the races._


---

Jul 27, 2023 6:13 PM UTC

---

## More From This Series

[All Videos](https://time.com/video/)

[Cost of Attending the Kentucky Derby](/video/ur7WQWmB/)

### Cost of Attending the Kentucky Derby

[Kentucky Derby Stud Fees](/video/1GFqWoGV/)

### Kentucky Derby Stud Fees

[The Mint Julep Controversy](/video/Hn4CQhih/)

### The Mint Julep Controversy

---


## Transcript

[ MUSIC ] As horse racing fans across the country gear up for the 141st Kentucky Derby, here's a look at the race's most iconic traditions. When it comes to race fashion we have England to thank for the over the top hats women wear at the derby. The derby was modeled after racing at England's Epsom Downs. An educator from the Kentucky Derby museum told US News and World Report Big hats were in vogue when the Kentucky Derby began in 1875. And the tradition stuck. But winning horses have a famous fashion statement of their own, the garland of roses. The Kentucky Derby says the garland, as it's known today, was introduced in 1932 for the 58th running.

It takes more than 400 roses to create the coveted prize. And most Kentucky Derby parties wouldn't be complete without a mint julep. The Derby says nearly 120, 000 mint juleps are served each year at Churchill Downs during the two days of races. But according to Eater, the Derby hasn't sold true Mint Juleps for the last 18 years. The site says the drinks official recipe calls for bourbon, while the Derby's official spirit for the last 18 years Early Times Kentucky Whiskey Isn't technically bourbon, that's because bourbon is required to age in new charred oak barrels. Either reports early times Kentucky whiskey rests in used barrels, so it's labelled as a Kentucky whiskey.

But the outlet also points out the derby is making a big switch this year to return to Bourbon and Proper julep tradition. According to the derby, it will take 1, 000 pounds of fresh mint and 60, 000 pounds of ice to make all those drinks.

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