Watermelon Mint Julep. The New Raceday Classic for the Virginia Derby.

Watermelon Mint Julep: The New Raceday Classic for the Virginia Derby

There are certain Raceday traditions that never miss bold fashion, big energy, and a cocktail in-hand the moment you hear “they’re off.” And when the calendar turns to Derby season, one drink tends to own the spotlight.

But at the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, we’re making room for a new classic.

Enter the Watermelon Mint Julep, a bright, modern twist on the iconic Mint Julep, crafted in collaboration with Colonial Downs (Churchill Downs Incorporated property) for one of the most exciting stops on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

In this edition of Taste Tales, we’re breaking down why this cocktail works so well on Raceday, how it modernizes a classic, and exactly how to make it at home (or serve it to a crowd) like a pro.

A quick history of the Virginia Derby (and why 2026 feels like a new era)

The Virginia Derby has quickly become a must-watch spring racing weekend at Colonial Downs, anchoring a three-day meet and drawing major attention as a Kentucky Derby qualifier. Before it became a springboard moment on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Virginia Derby built its reputation the classic way, one strong running after another.

Here’s the quick timeline that makes this Raceday feel even bigger:

·       1998: The Virginia Derby is first run at Colonial Downs, quickly becoming a marquee event for Virginia racing.

·       2004: As the field quality rises, the race earns Grade III status, an upgrade that puts it firmly on the national radar.

·       2013–2019: After Colonial Downs’ initial run of racing ends in 2013, the Virginia Derby pauses, then takes a detour, running at Laurel Park as the Commonwealth Derby (2015–2017) before returning to Colonial Downs in 2019 when the track reopens.

·       2025: The modern chapter begins; the Virginia Derby switches from turf to dirt and moves to March, joining the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a major evolution from “prestige stakes race” to “national spotlight qualifier.”

That shift is part of a bigger momentum story for Colonial Downs, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated. For 2026, Colonial Downs has already positioned the Virginia Derby weekend as a centerpiece event again, anchoring a March 12–14 meet with the $500,000 Virginia Derby on Saturday, March 14. It’s Virginia’s “big moment” on the national Derby trail and the perfect stage for a fresh Raceday tradition… like the Watermelon Mint Julep.

Why the Mint Julep will always be a Derby Day icon

The Mint Julep is famous for a reason; it’s refreshing, it’s aromatic, and it’s built for sipping slowly while the day unfolds. It’s also a moment; crushed ice, fresh mint, that first frosty pour, but modern cocktail culture has changed how we drink classics. Today’s cocktail lovers want:

·       Bolder flavor specificity

·       More “wow” in the first sip

·       Fresh twists that still feel timeless

That’s the exact lane where London Liqueur Co. lives, next-gen flavor innovation that elevates tradition.

Meet the Watermelon Mint Julep: crisp, vibrant, and Raceday-ready

The Watermelon Mint Julep keeps everything you love about a julep’s minty freshness, crushed ice and easy sipping, then adds a flavor upgrade that feels made for spring racing season.

What makes it different? Instead of forcing watermelon flavor through syrups or muddled fruit, this cocktail gets its modern punch from London Watermelon Mint Liqueur, crafted to deliver juicy watermelon brightness with a cool mint lift.

Flavor profile (what to expect) -

·       Front: ripe watermelon sweetness (bright, not candy-like)

·       Mid: cool garden-mint freshness

·       Finish: a clean, citrus-kissed edge that keeps it light and drinkable

In other words, it’s refreshing like a classic julep but with vibrant refreshing watermelon flavor.

Watermelon Mint Julep recipe (the new Raceday classic)

Ingredients

·       2 oz London Watermelon Mint Liqueur

·       1 oz bourbon

·       Crushed ice

·       Garnish: watermelon slice + mint sprig

Instructions (Visit the London Liqueurs Mixology Lab for more Watermelon Mint cocktails)

·       In a julep cup (or rocks glass), add Watermelon Mint Liqueur and bourbon.

·       Fill the cup with crushed ice and stir until the outside of the glass gets frosty.

·       Top with more crushed ice, then garnish with a watermelon slice and a big, fragrant mint sprig.

Pro Tip: Clap the mint sprig once between your hands before garnishing, your nose gets hit with mint on every sip (which is half the magic of a julep).

Cheers to a new tradition

Classic cocktails earned their reputation for a reason, but the best cocktail moments happen when tradition meets something unexpected and that’s exactly what the Watermelon Mint Julep is built to do.

Whether you’re sipping trackside at Colonial Downs or raising a glass from your living room, consider this your sign to make the modern julep your new Derby Day move.

Cheers and always sip responsibly!

London Liqueur Company is creating the future for flavor, setting the standard for the next generation of premium flavored liqueurs through unwavering dedication to modern flavor innovation, ingredient transparency, and cocktail creativity. Explore our selection of flavored premium craft liqueurs at LondonMixology.com.