Kentucky Derby mint juleps lead sports world's signature food, drink staples - ESPN

The 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday at Churchill Downs — and with the race will come a tradition that extends all the way to the concessions menu.

The iconic race boasts a signature drink — the mint julep, a cocktail made with Old Forester, simple syrup, fresh mint and crushed ice — that reflects bourbon's status as a staple of Kentucky culture. More than 125,000 mint juleps are consumed by fans over Kentucky Derby weekend, according to the race. The derby isn't the only sporting event associated with a signature concession item, though. Here's a look at the mint julep and some other notable sporting experience/snack pairings:

The bourbon-based cocktail is likely the most widely known sporting event drink of all, with the mint julep having been associated with the Derby since the 19th century. Even before its relationship with Churchill Downs, the cocktail was a staple of the Bluegrass State, known for its quality bourbon.

In 2025, the going rate for a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby was $22 (plus tax). Racegoers with a bit more loose change could also opt for a $1,000 julep (served in a polished pewter cup) or a $5,000 julep (served in a 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver cup), with proceeds from each limited-edition version of the drink going to charity.

Wimbledon is another sporting event with a legendary food layout, but the top item on the famed tournament's menu is its strawberries and cream dish, which draws impressive lines of customers on a yearly basis.

The tradition dates to the first editions of Wimbledon in the late 1870s and centers around the event's timing on the calendar. Occurring in July, the tournament would take place during the brief window of the year when