The Greenbrier’s Iconic Mint Julip

DID YOU KNOW THE MINT JULIP ORIGINATED AT THE GREENBRIER?

The world-famous mint julep was invented at The Greenbrier in 1808 and is still a favorite today, most notably at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. The oldest account book at The Greenbrier dates from 1816 and reveals that guests ordered “julips” as a cost of 25 cents per drink or three drinks for 50 cents. These were not necessarily the most popular drinks, since there was plenty of brandy, wine and whiskey available, but certain guests seemed to have a definite fondness for them. It seems quite possible that these drinks were served as soon as the first tavern opened on the resort property in 1808. By 1914 — the first full year that The Greenbrier hotel was open — the mint julep was such a staple that a recipe for the drink appeared on the resort’s souvenir calendar. Of course, it has long been a tradition that a mint julep be served in a silver cup, and for many years The Greenbrier utilized custom-designed service cups in the popular watering spot, The Old White Lounge.