Kentucky’s annual horse racing extravaganza will be held Saturday (May 4). He’s compiled 10 of the best cocktail recipes to go with it.
Now in its 150th year, the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May at Louisville’s Churchill Downs, has been called “the most exciting two minutes since the beginning of sports.” This lace is also synonymous with Mint His Julep, which consists of a refreshing mix of bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
We challenged spirits brands to offer julep recipes, from classic mints to more advanced twists. We’ll also be serving some mules and other derby-themed drinks. Whether you’re at Churchill Downs or tucked away in Timbuktu, these 10 recipes are perfect for your celebration.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our roundup of cocktail recipes for March and April.
crown mule
Tequila brand Herradura collaborated with Q Mixer to create a special cocktail that will be served in the Director’s Room at Churchill Downs ahead of Saturday.
material:
- Tequila Herradura Reposado 43ml
- Q Tropical Ginger Beer 113ml
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge
Method: Prepare your drink by filling a copper mug or rocks glass with ice.
salted caramel mint julep
The rich flavor of salted caramel adds a lusciously sweet note to the classic mint julep. It’s also very easy to prepare, which makes it even more appealing.
material:
- Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey 71ml
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- crushed ice
- sprig of mint for decoration
Method: In the julep cup, gently stir in the fresh mint leaves to release the oil and flavor. Fill the glass with crushed ice, making it a little tighter. Pour the Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey over ice. Stir gently to combine the ingredients and chill the drink. Add more crushed ice if needed. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint to add flavor.
Diplomatico Derby
Of course, this is no Julep, but it’s a very refreshing alternative for those looking for another way to get ready for race day.
material:
- 2 parts Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
- 1 part grapefruit juice
- Honey syrup 0.25 parts
Method: Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir and pour straight into a coupe glass. Garnish with grapefruit.
jamaican mule
Derby Day drinking isn’t just about bourbon, as Jamaican distillery Appleton Estate’s rum recipe proves.
material
- Appleton Estate Signed 2 copies
- 3 lime wedges
- 2 parts ginger beer
- 1 dash of aromatic bitters (optional)
Method: Squeeze a lime into a rocks glass and press with a stirrer. Add ice and stir the remaining ingredients into the glass.
rose mint julep
Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the race, so it only seemed right to make this recipe for the big day.
material
- Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 57ml
- 1 teaspoon rose honey simple syrup
- 6 mint leaves
- mini rose buds for decoration
Method: Wipe the mint leaves inside the julep cup to release the aroma and flavor. Drop the leaves into the cup. Add rose honey simple syrup, crushed ice, and Woodford Reserve Bourbon to cup. Garnish with mint and mini rose buds.
kentucky buck
Wake up, get in the saddle, or lie on the couch in front of the TV while sipping on this refreshing cocktail packed with fruit flavors.
material:
- Angels Envy Bourbon 57ml Port Wine Barrel Finish
- 14ml fresh lemon juice
- Simple syrup 14ml
- strawberry 28ml
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- ginger beer 85ml
Method: Mix strawberries in a cocktail shaker. Add all ingredients except ginger beer to cocktail shaker. Add ice to the shaker and shake. Pour into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer and enjoy.
black tea ginger rep
Prefer gin over bourbon? Don’t stress. Castle & Key offers a tea-fused julep twist.
material:
- Rise Gin 71ml
- Black tea syrup 14ml
- 7ml lemon
- mad mint
Method: Prepare as you would a mint julep, but use the ingredients listed above.
derby bellini
Everyone’s favorite breakfast drink, the Bellini, also doubles as a game party drink.
material:
- Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1.5 parts
- ¾part italics
- 3/4 parts apricot liqueur
- 3/4 part fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 parts prosecco
- 1 lemon wheel
Method: Place all ingredients in a shaker can with ice and shake. Strain into a champagne flute and garnish with a lemon wheel.
irish derby
Cheer on your horse with an Irish-style derby serve. Maybe it will even bring you some of the country’s famous good fortune.
material:
- Triple Dog Irish Whiskey 42ml
- Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth 14ml
- Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao (or Cointreau) 14ml
- 14ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 lime twist for decoration
Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in Triple Dog Irish Whiskey, sweet vermouth, orange curacao, lime juice, and Angostura bitters. Shake well until cool. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with lime zest to enhance the citrus flavor.
hibiscus mint julep
Enhance your Derby Day viewing experience with a sweet and refreshing take on the Four Roses Julep.
material:
- 57ml Four Roses Small Batch
- Hibiscus syrup 14ml
- 2-3 mint leaves
- garnish with mint
Method: Steep 1 part hibiscus tea and 1 part granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved. Mix mint and hibiscus syrup in a julep cup. Add bourbon and crushed ice. Please pack it securely. Stir or stir until cocktail is cool enough to handle. Add more ice to create a dome. Garnish.
