Culture of the Southern United States celebrations. Hurricanes are a famous French Quarter drink, as are sazerac cocktails and absinthe. The upper South, specifically Kentucky, is known for its production of bourbon whiskey, which is a popular base for cocktails. As of 2005, Kentucky was credited with producing 95% of the world's bourbon, which has been referred to as America's only native spirit. The mint julep is traditionally depicted as a popular beverage among more affluent Southerners. Many other bourbons are produced in Kentucky including Evan Williams, Wild Turkey and Bulleit.Southern Comfort is a flavored distilled spirit modeled after bourbon and made in Louisiana. Another form
Mint julep called the "official "bourbon"" of the derby. In May 2008, Churchill Downs unveiled the world's largest mint julep glass. Churchill Downs, in conjunction with Brown-Forman, commissioned the Weber Group to fabricate the tall glass ( if the mint sprig is included). The glass was constructed from FDA food-grade acrylic, heated and molded into the shape of an official 2008 Derby glass. It had a capacity of , and distributed the Early Times mint juleps at the Derby with an elaborate pumping system concealed within the "stir straw". Mint julep The mint julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, consisting