The Kentucky Derby is one of the most celebrated horse racing events in the world. It is a time when people come together to witness the power and grace of these majestic animals.
It is also a time when people come together to enjoy good drinks and great company. The Kentucky Derby has become synonymous with cocktails, and for good reason. The cocktails served at the Derby are some of the best in the world.
The history of the Kentucky Derby can be traced back to 1875, and since then, it has become a cultural phenomenon.
People from all over the world come to Louisville, Kentucky, to watch the race, wear fancy hats, and sip on delicious drinks. The cocktails served at the Derby are steeped in tradition and are an essential part of the experience.
The Kentucky Derby is not just a race; it is an event. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the beauty and power of horses. It is also a time when people come together to enjoy the finer things in life, like good drinks and great company.
The cocktails served at the Derby are as much a part of the tradition as the race itself, and they are an essential ingredient in the recipe for a perfect Kentucky Derby experience. So, let's raise a glass to the Kentucky Derby and the cocktails that make it so special.
1. Woodford Spire Cocktail
The Woodford Spire Cocktail is a must-try for any Kentucky Derby party. Made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, this cocktail is perfectly balanced with over 200 flavor notes, ranging from bold grain and wood to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes.
The cocktail is made with a mix of cranberry and lemonade, making it a refreshing and fruity drink that is easy to sip on a hot day. The Woodford Spire Cocktail is a showstopper that will impress your guests and transport them to the heart of the Kentucky Derby.
2. Finlandia Oaks Lily
The Finlandia Oaks Lily is a refreshing and sweet cocktail that is perfect for the Kentucky Derby season. Made with Finlandia vodka, sweet and sour mix, and cranberry juice, this cocktail is a great alternative to the traditional bourbon-based drinks.
Its tart and fruity flavors are balanced perfectly with the smoothness of the vodka, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a Derby party or just looking for a refreshing cocktail to sip on, the Finlandia Oaks Lily is definitely worth a try.
3. Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita
The Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita is a refreshing and unique take on the classic Kentucky Mint Julep. This cocktail combines the flavors of tequila, blackberries, and mint to create a delicious and fruity drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm day.
The addition of blackberries adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the drink, while the mint provides a refreshing and cooling finish. This cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any Kentucky Derby party or summer gathering. If you're looking for a twist on a classic cocktail, the Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita is definitely worth trying.
4. Honey Smash Bourbon Cocktail
The Honey Smash Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink to enjoy during the Kentucky Derby festival. The cocktail includes a touch of honey, a squeeze of orange, bourbon, and orange curacao, which blend together to create a heavenly taste.
The addition of finely ground bee pollen adds another subtle note/texture of honey to this cocktail, making it a unique and delicious drink to sip on. If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail to enjoy while watching the Kentucky Derby Races, the Honey Smash Bourbon Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
5. Basil Julep
The Basil Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail. This cocktail features fresh garden basil, which adds a clean herb flavor to the sweet combination of bourbon and sugar. The drink is served in a traditional 12-ounce pewter or sterling silver cup, filled with mounds of crushed ice to keep it cold on hot summer days.
The aroma of the basil is a treat for the senses, making this cocktail a perfect choice for any Derby Day celebration. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful alternative to the traditional mint julep, the Basil Julep is definitely worth a try.
6. Pineapple Mint Julep Sangria
The Pineapple Mint Julep Sangria is a refreshing and fruity twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby cocktail. This easy-to-make sangria recipe features the signature bourbon and mint, along with fresh pineapple and crisp white wine.
It's the perfect big batch cocktail for entertaining and watching the Kentucky Derby or any summer gathering. The mint simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the bourbon gives it just the right amount of kick. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a light and refreshing drink with a twist.
7. Kentucky Oaks Lily
The Kentucky Oaks Lily is a refreshing and sweet/tart cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and orange liqueur. It is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks races and is served in a commemorative glass.
This fan-favorite cocktail outsells the famous Mint Julep on Friday at the races year after year. The Grey Goose Kentucky Oaks Lily cocktail is perfect for those who prefer a fruity and citrusy drink over a minty one. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed all summer long. Don't miss out on trying this delicious cocktail!
8. Classic Mint Julep
The Classic Mint Julep is a refreshing and straightforward cocktail that is perfect for the spring season. It is a staple drink of the Kentucky Derby, with over 120,000 served during the two-day event. The cocktail is built in the glass it is served in, using a muddler and a long-handled bar spoon to create a delicious blend of mint, sugar, and bourbon.
The Classic Mint Julep is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the Kentucky Derby. With its simple yet elegant taste, it's no wonder why this cocktail has become such a beloved tradition. So, whether you're watching the Kentucky Derby or simply enjoying a sunny day on the porch, the Classic Mint Julep is the perfect drink to accompany you.
9. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for over a century. It's made with fresh mint, simple syrup, and bourbon, and is traditionally served in a silver cup that frosts on the outside due to the crushed ice.
The combination of sweet simple syrup and bold bourbon flavor is perfectly balanced by the fresh mint, making for a delicious and satisfying cocktail.
10. Traditional Mint Julep
The Traditional Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed at the Kentucky Derby for over 80 years. This refreshing drink is made with fresh mint leaves, good quality bourbon, and plenty of crushed ice. It's the perfect summery drink, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
The combination of mint, simple syrup, and bourbon creates a smooth and delicious taste that will leave you wanting more. While it's traditionally served in a silver julep cup, it can also be enjoyed in a rocks glass. If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious cocktail to enjoy during the Kentucky Derby or any other occasion, the Traditional Mint Julep is a must-try.
11. Kentucky Buck Cocktail
The Kentucky Buck Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity whiskey cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, not just Derby Day. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Buck cocktail, which typically contains ginger ale or ginger beer, citrus, and a base liquor. The Kentucky Buck adds muddled strawberries to the mix, giving it a sweet and fruity flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds.
The cocktail is garnished with a lemon wheel and a strawberry half, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're sipping it on the back porch in the summer or enjoying it in the middle of winter, the Kentucky Buck Cocktail is a must-try for any whiskey lover.
12. Blueberry Mint Juleps
The Blueberry Mint Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic mint julep, perfect for sipping on a warm spring day while watching the Kentucky Derby. This cocktail combines the traditional flavors of bourbon, mint, and syrup with the sweet and tart taste of blueberries.
The secret to this drink is the crushed ice, which gives it a slushy texture and makes it even more refreshing. This cocktail is easy to make and can be enjoyed by both bourbon and blueberry lovers. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your Kentucky Derby party, the Blueberry Mint Julep is definitely worth a try.
13. Lemonade Mint Julep
The Lemonade Mint Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic mint julep cocktail. This cocktail combines the sweetness of hand-squeezed lemonade with the crispness of mint, bourbon, and a quick simple syrup. It's the perfect drink for a warm and sunny spring afternoon while watching horses go by.
The Lemonade Mint Julep is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail and wants to add a little something extra to their Kentucky Derby experience. So, if you're looking for a refreshing and delicious cocktail to enjoy while watching the race, give the Lemonade Mint Julep a try.
14. Blackberry Mint Julep
The Blackberry Mint Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail. This southern-inspired drink features fresh blackberries, mint, and Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The simple syrup made with sugar and water adds a touch of sweetness to the drink.
The combination of the sweet blackberries, cool mint, and smooth bourbon creates a perfect balance of flavors. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a warm day while watching the Kentucky Derby. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your next gathering, the Blackberry Mint Julep is definitely worth trying.
15. Kentucky Lemonade
The Kentucky Lemonade is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for the upcoming spring season. It's a sweet and tart drink that packs a punch with its bourbon kick. The addition of mint and ginger ale adds a unique twist to the classic lemonade. What's great about this cocktail is that it can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
You can make it non-alcoholic or add more ginger ale to make it stretch further. This cocktail is perfect for serving at a cookout or any outdoor gathering. It's like taking a sip of sunshine! If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail to try, the Kentucky Lemonade is definitely worth a shot.
16. Strawberry Mint Julep Mocktail
The Strawberry Mint Julep Mocktail is a refreshing and non-alcoholic take on the traditional Mint Julep, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavors of the Kentucky Derby without the alcohol. Made with fresh strawberries, mint, and a homemade mint simple syrup, this mocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
The combination of sweet strawberries and bright mint creates a delicious and balanced flavor that's sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. Whether you're hosting a Kentucky Derby party or just looking for a refreshing summer drink, the Strawberry Mint Julep Mocktail is a must-try.
17. Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep
The Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic bourbon cocktail. Made with a homemade dark brown sugar simple syrup and freshly muddled peaches, this cocktail is perfect for a Kentucky Derby celebration or a summer patio sipper. The caramel undertones of the bourbon perfectly complement the rich brown sugar, while the fresh peaches add a sweet and acidic balance to the drink.
The crushed ice continuously melts into the cocktail, making it extra refreshing and taking the edge off the bourbon. Garnished with a peach slice and leafy mint sprig, this cocktail is both visually appealing and delicious. If you're looking for a fruity and refreshing cocktail to enjoy during the Kentucky Derby, the Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep is a must-try.
