- Mint Julep cocktails are synonymous with America’s famous horse-racing event
- But a post online has shows how dramatically the price has increased over years
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
It wouldn’t be a Kentucky Derby without racegoers knocking back Mint Julep cocktails in the stands.
The 150th Kentucky Derby is due to take place on Saturday afternoon, with a wide-open race expected in Louisville beyond a couple of early wagering favorites.
As well as horses and big hats, the annual race is known for its beloved Mint Julep – a cocktail made up of bourbon, sugar, water, ice and fresh mint.
It is estimated that almost 130,000 of them are sold on the day as fans make the most of an all-day drinking event at Churchill Downs.
![It wouldn't be a Kentucky Derby without racegoers knocking back Mint Julep cocktails](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/04/17/84456781-13382897-image-a-72_1714840952463.jpg)
It wouldn’t be a Kentucky Derby without racegoers knocking back Mint Julep cocktails
However, one X user has shown how dramatically the price of a Mint Julep has inflated over the years.
According to cocktail producer Darren Rovell, racegoers at the Kentucky Derby are forced to pay $22 for a Mint Julep at this year’s event, which is $7 more than it cost back in 2016.
Back in 2006, the cocktail was available at Churchill Downs for just $9, while it cost a mere $4.25 in 1987.
Incredibly, it was sold for just 75 cents back in 1940.
It then increased to $1.50 in 1967 before another jump to $3 in 1980.
This year’s Kentucky Derby is set to begin at around 6:57pm ET over in Louisville.