Early Times Mint Julep 1L

Early Times Mint Julep 1L is a ready-to-serve mint julep cocktail made with Kentucky whisky, bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof) in a 1-liter format. Long associated with Derby Day traditions, this pre-mixed expression delivers a convenient path to a classic Southern cocktail without the need to muddle, measure, or mix.

Quick Facts: ABV: 30% (60 Proof)  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Pre-Mixed Mint Julep  |  Producer: Sazerac Company

Production & Heritage

Early Times traces its roots to 1860 as a Kentucky whisky brand, originally produced under Brown-Forman in Louisville. In mid-2020, the Sazerac Company acquired the Early Times brand. The whisky base is made from a traditional mashbill of corn, rye, and malted barley, aged in used cooperage rather than the new charred oak barrels required for bourbon labeling in the United States. This distinction means Early Times is classified as "Kentucky Whisky" rather than bourbon — a detail that gives the spirit a lighter, softer character well-suited to a pre-mixed cocktail application. The mint julep expression combines that whisky base with mint flavoring and sweetener, bottled at a moderate 60 proof that keeps the drink sessionable.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean and refreshing on the nose, with an immediate wave of cool spearmint leading into softer whisky undertones. A gentle sweetness rounds out the initial impression.

Taste: The palate opens smooth and sweet, with prominent mint flavor front and center. Mid-palate, notes of caramel and vanilla from the whisky base emerge, creating a well-balanced interplay between the botanical freshness and the grain-driven warmth. The overall impression is rich yet approachable.

Finish: The finish is long and refreshing, with lingering mint coolness and a smooth, slightly sweet texture. There is no harsh burn — the moderate proof keeps everything in check.

How to Drink Early Times Mint Julep

This is designed to be poured directly over crushed ice in a julep cup or rocks glass — no additional mixing required. A sprig of fresh mint as a garnish elevates the aromatics significantly. Beyond the classic serve, the pre-mixed julep also works as a base ingredient: use it in a Julep Smash with muddled seasonal berries for added fruit complexity, pour it into a Sparkling Julep topped with club soda for a lighter warm-weather drink, or build an Arnold Palmer Julep by combining it with equal parts sweet tea and a squeeze of lemon for a Southern-inspired twist.

Best For

• Hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party without a full bar setup
• Serving large groups at outdoor summer gatherings
• Stocking a home bar with a ready-to-pour cocktail option
• Introducing guests to the mint julep who have never tried one

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Early Times Mint Julep taste like? It tastes like a smooth, sweet mint julep with noticeable caramel and vanilla notes from the Kentucky whisky base, balanced by cool spearmint freshness throughout.

How does Early Times Mint Julep compare to Old Forester Mint Julep? Old Forester Mint Julep replaced Early Times as the official mint julep of the Kentucky Derby starting in 2015, and it uses a bourbon base rather than Kentucky whisky. Early Times Mint Julep tends toward a lighter, softer whisky character due to its used-barrel aging, while Old Forester's bourbon base contributes more pronounced oak and spice.

Is Early Times Mint Julep good for parties? It is an excellent party option because it requires no bartending skill — just pour over crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint. The 1-liter format yields multiple servings, making it efficient for group settings.

Where is Early Times Mint Julep made? Early Times Mint Julep is produced in Louisville, Kentucky by the Sazerac Company, which acquired the Early Times brand from Brown-Forman in 2020.

What foods pair well with Early Times Mint Julep? Its sweet, minty profile pairs well with salty Southern appetizers like pimento cheese and crackers, fried chicken sliders where the mint cuts through the richness, fresh fruit plates featuring watermelon or peach, chocolate truffles that echo the caramel notes, and spicy boiled peanuts where the sweetness provides a cooling contrast.

What sizes does Early Times Mint Julep come in? The expression is commonly available in the 1-liter bottle, which is the standard format for this pre-mixed product.

Is Early Times Mint Julep worth the price? Early Times Mint Julep positions as a value-tier, ready-to-serve cocktail — it delivers genuine Kentucky whisky character in a convenient format at a price point well below what individual cocktail ingredients would cost separately, making it a practical choice for casual entertaining.

Why Early Times Mint Julep?

What sets this product apart is its long pedigree as one of the original commercially available pre-mixed mint juleps on the American market, rooted in genuine Kentucky whisky production. The used-barrel aging of the whisky base yields a deliberately softer, less tannic spirit that integrates seamlessly with the mint and sweetener — a production choice that works in the cocktail's favor even though it disqualifies the whisky from bourbon classification. The 1-liter bottle and 60-proof strength strike a practical balance between flavor impact and easy serving. For anyone seeking a no-fuss, authentic-tasting mint julep without sourcing simple syrup, fresh mint, and a bottle of bourbon, this remains one of the most straightforward paths to the classic cocktail.