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The Round Robin's Jim Hewes
The Round Robin's Jim Hewes
Official

Where to Drink a Mint Julep on Derby Day (and Beyond)

Have some bourbon.

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The Round Robin's Jim Hewes
| Official

The mint julep is a classic American cocktail, served in a tin cup and best known as the quintessential drink of the Kentucky Derby. But the simple, refreshing cocktail deserves more than one day in the spotlight.

The balanced blend of bourbon, sugar and mint is great for sipping on warm afternoons, with the sugar and mint complementing and softening the spicy kick of bourbon.

Anyone searching for a mint julep has many D.C spots to choose from. Some bars and restaurants stick to the traditional recipe, while others gravitate to modern twists. Here's where to look for everything from Derby Day specials to year-round offerings.

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Bourbon

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Church & State

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Eatonville

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[Photo: Facebook]

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

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This whiskey destination serves mint juleps year-round and is offering them for $9 from 4 to 7 p.m. during Kentucky Derby coverage.
[Photo: Official]

Lincoln

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The mint julep is among the classic America cocktails offered at this small-plates restaurant. The recipe is pretty by the books and includes Bulleit bourbon, mint syrup and fresh mint leaves.
[Photo: Official]

McClellan's Retreat

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Occidental

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Kentucky Derby specials here include a traditional mint julep made with Woodford Reserve bourbon as well as a blood orange julep.
[Photo: Official]

Southern Hospitality

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The Dignitary

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Located inside the new Marriott Marquis, this cocktail bar serves up FDR's Mint Julep, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon.
[Photo: Official]

The Round Robin Bar

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There's no more famous source for Mint Juleps than the Round Robin Bar, where old school bartender Jim Hewes mixes up perfect renditions of the drink.

Vidalia

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A mint julep is the perfect companion to Vidalia's southern fare. They're regularly priced at a reasonable $10 each.
[Photo: R. Lopez]

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Barrel

[Photo: Facebook]

Bourbon

[Photo: Facebook]

Church & State

[Photo: Facebook]

Eatonville

[Photo: Facebook]

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

This whiskey destination serves mint juleps year-round and is offering them for $9 from 4 to 7 p.m. during Kentucky Derby coverage.
[Photo: Official]

Lincoln

The mint julep is among the classic America cocktails offered at this small-plates restaurant. The recipe is pretty by the books and includes Bulleit bourbon, mint syrup and fresh mint leaves.
[Photo: Official]

McClellan's Retreat

[Photo: Facebook]

Occidental

Kentucky Derby specials here include a traditional mint julep made with Woodford Reserve bourbon as well as a blood orange julep.
[Photo: Official]

Southern Hospitality

[Photo: Facebook]

The Dignitary

Located inside the new Marriott Marquis, this cocktail bar serves up FDR's Mint Julep, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon.
[Photo: Official]

The Round Robin Bar

There's no more famous source for Mint Juleps than the Round Robin Bar, where old school bartender Jim Hewes mixes up perfect renditions of the drink.

Vidalia

A mint julep is the perfect companion to Vidalia's southern fare. They're regularly priced at a reasonable $10 each.
[Photo: R. Lopez]

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