The Early Times Mint Julep is more than a Southern tradition, it's the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®. So in 1999, we decided the bottle our Mint Julep came in should be as special as the drink and the race itself. In March of that year, the first Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle wrap was unveiled. Like all the bottle wraps since, it depicted a scene from Churchill Downs®, home of the Kentucky Derby, and one of the most famous race tracks in the world.

The bottle wrap was an instant success. In fact, people liked it so well, they began collecting the bottles. And so another tradition was born.

Take a look at each year's bottle by clicking below.

To learn more about equine artist Celeste Susany and her work, click here.

Look for Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottles at your local retailers. If they are not available in your area, don't despair, you can still enjoy "The Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby." Just click here to get the recipe.

Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.