# Best Julep Cups (2026 Buying Guide) Source: https://cocktailgearhub.com/best/best-julep-cups Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Cocktail Gear Hub. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://cocktailgearhub.com/how-we-research#our-score The mint julep lives or dies by frost. A proper julep cup pulls the chill from crushed ice straight to the metal, forming that beautiful icy sheen on the outside and keeping your bourbon bracingly cold to the last sip. The traditional choice is pewter, prized for how quickly it frosts, but stainless steel and copper each bring their own strengths to the table. In this guide we compare the three main metals so you can match the cup to how you drink. Pewter delivers the classic Kentucky Derby experience but asks for gentler care. Stainless steel frosts nearly as well, shrugs off the dishwasher, and costs less. Copper splits the difference with excellent thermal performance and a warmer look. We also weigh capacity, wall thickness, and how comfortable each cup is to hold once it is fully frosted. Below you will find recommendations for purists, for everyday sippers, and for anyone assembling a set for Derby day. Every pick is judged first on how cold it keeps your julep and second on how good it looks doing it. ## Picks ### 1. Mint Julep Cups Set of 4 with Straws - Polished 12 oz Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Derby Cups Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) A set of 4 polished 12 oz commercial grade stainless steel Derby julep cups with straws for Kentucky Derby parties. Pros: - Commercial grade stainless steel handles frequent use and washing - Straws are included, completing the julep serving setup - Polished finish looks classic for Derby Day entertaining Cons: - Polished surfaces show fingerprints and water spots - Straws add extra cleaning after each party Details: https://cocktailgearhub.com/product/B09MCNZHPP ### 2. Mint Julep Cups Stainless Steel Set of 4 - Metal 12 oz Cocktail Glasses Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) A set of 4 stainless steel mint julep cups at 12 oz, metal cups for juleps, smashes and crushed ice drinks. Pros: - Stainless steel frosts over nicely with crushed ice - 12 oz capacity holds a full julep with plenty of ice - Metal cups will not shatter at outdoor Derby parties Cons: - Metal cups get very cold to hold without a napkin - Check the steel gauge before buying for regular outdoor use Details: https://cocktailgearhub.com/product/B085HZM321 ### 3. Gusto Nostro Mint Julep Cups Set of 4 - Stainless Steel Kit with Straws, Muddler, Spoon (Rose) Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Gusto Nostro's rose-colored mint julep cup set of 4 with straws, a muddler and a spoon as a complete stainless kit. Pros: - Muddler and spoon let you build juleps without extra tools - Rose finish gives a stylish twist on classic silver cups - Stainless steel construction holds up to crushed ice Cons: - Colored finish may wear with abrasive scrubbing - Newer brand with less track record than classic barware makers Details: https://cocktailgearhub.com/product/B0GG3N4V7Y ### 4. Sol Living Mint Julep Cups Bundle - 4 Copper + 4 Silver Stainless Steel Cups with 8 Straws Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Sol Living's mint julep cup bundle with 4 copper and 4 silver stainless steel cups plus 8 straws for larger groups. Pros: - 8 cups in two finishes cover a bigger Derby party - Copper and silver mix lets guests tell drinks apart - 8 straws included so every cup is ready to serve Cons: - Mixed finishes may not suit a uniform table look - Copper-tone finish needs gentle cleaning to stay bright Details: https://cocktailgearhub.com/product/B0CDJC45NN ### 5. Maker's Mark Signature Julep Cup - Genuine Pewter/Stainless Steel Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10) Maker's Mark's signature julep cup in genuine pewter and stainless steel, a collectible bourbon brand keepsake. Pros: - Maker's Mark branding makes it a strong gift for bourbon fans - Pewter and stainless build gives a premium weight - Signature design celebrates the classic Derby cocktail Cons: - Single branded cup costs more than generic sets - Pewter needs gentle hand washing to keep its finish Details: https://cocktailgearhub.com/product/B0757N27F9 ### 6. Stainless Steel Mint Julep Cup in Black Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) A single stainless steel mint julep cup in black, a matte-look metal cup for modern julep service. Pros: - Black finish gives a modern twist on the classic julep cup - Stainless steel body will not break if dropped - Single cup is handy for replacing or expanding a set Cons: - Sold as one cup, so serving a group means buying several - Dark coating hides the frost that makes juleps look classic Details: https://cocktailgearhub.com/product/B07CGRLXZY As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.