The Kentucky Derby is an exciting horse race and a time-honored tradition celebrated with elegance and delicious cocktails. From the traditional Mint Julep to modern twists like the Whiskey Smash and Blueberry Moscow Mule, these 7 Kentucky Derby Cocktails capture the essence and add a touch of style.
The Kentucky Derby is very close to being held and as is tradition it begins on the first Saturday in May on that derby weekend more than 125,000 mint juleps will be served and in fact, more than 10,000 bottles of Kentucky bourbon, 2,250 pounds of freshly harvest mint and 475,000 pounds of ice are used, being Woodford Being the official Reserve brand, around 150,000 people come to this great event.
I had the opportunity to be at its 149th anniversary, which was last year, but for this year expectations are even higher as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. This unique spectacle, the Kentucky Derby has been described by Forbes as one of the “top bucket list events.” Sports Events’ in America.
1.- Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is an iconic bourbon cocktail you don’t want to miss. Drinks that are this popular can sometimes seem difficult to make, but this recipe is straightforward and only requires a few ingredients like crushed ice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and a simple combination of bourbon, finally garnished with a sprig of mint.
2.- Blackberry Mint Julep
On a classic Derby Day, you can’t miss Blackberry Mint Julep in your hand at this great event!
The original Mint Julep recipe is a classic cocktail for the Kentucky Derby. It is an exclusive event to wait for a whole year, full of emotions, events, tours, food, and many cocktails, mostly made with local bourbon.
3.- Whiskey Smash
Whiskey Smash is a recipe for lovers and non-lovers of this distillate, it is simple but with many flavors! This is another refreshing cocktail that combines fresh lemon juice with bourbon it’s a perfect taste to enjoy the event at the Churchill Downs.
4.- Rose Lemon Spritz
The Rosé Lemon Spritz is a sophistication of flavors, combining the timeless charm of vodka, and rose water with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon.
5.- Blueberry Moscow Mule
Blueberry Moscow Mule is perfect for the Derby, a Kentucky mule is popularly served in a copper mug, which takes on the cool temperature of the liquid.
This cocktail with fresh blueberries, a touch of ginger beer, and a kick of vodka is super refreshing for this event!
6.- Oaks Lily
The Oaks Lily Cocktail is a vibrant and refreshing libation that pays tribute to the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, a beloved horse race held annually at Churchill Downs. Named after the Stargazer lily garland traditionally awarded to the winning filly, this cocktail captures the spirit of spring in Kentucky with its floral aroma, bright colors, and vivid flavors. Made with vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and a splash of lemon-lime soda, served in rocks glass, the Oaks Lily cocktail is as delicious to look at as it is to drink. Garnish with a skewer of fresh berries, lemon twist, and a fragrant sprig of mint, this cocktail is a visual feast and a delicious tribute to one of horse racing’s most cherished traditions.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz (45 ml) vodka
1 ounce (30 ml) cranberry juice
1/2 oz (15 ml) triple sec
1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
A splash of lemon-lime soda
Ice cubes
Fresh berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries) for garnish
lemon twist to decorate.
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Shake the mixture vigorously until it is very cold, about 8 to 10 seconds.
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Top the cocktail with a splash of lemon-lime soda for a refreshing fizz.
Garnish the cocktail with a skewer of fresh berries, placing them delicately on the rim of the glass.
Add a twist of lemon, allowing the aroma to enhance the cocktail’s presentation.
Serve the Oaks Lily Cocktail immediately and enjoy its vibrant colors, floral aroma, and refreshing flavors with every delicious sip.
Cheers to the Oaks Lily Cocktail – a stunning tribute to the Kentucky Oaks and a delicious drink to enjoy with friends and fellow racing enthusiasts!
7.- Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep
The Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep is a delicious take on the iconic Southern cocktail, infusing the timeless flavors of fresh strawberries and fragrant mint into the classic blend of bourbon, sugar, a touch of Angostura bitters, and crushed ice. This refreshing libation is a celebration of spring in Kentucky, where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries and the sound of hooves pounding on the racetrack. Enjoy this vibrant concoction while watching the horse racing at Churchill Downs or home as a refreshing and elegant sip for any occasion. With its vibrant red hue, aromatic mint garnish, and perfectly balanced flavors, the Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep is sure to delight your senses.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
2-3 ripe strawberries, peeled and sliced
4-5 fresh mint leaves, plus a few extras to decorate
1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
dash of Angostura bitters
Crushed ice
Sprig of mint and a slice of lemon to decorate (optional).
Instructions:
In a julep cup or rocks glass, mix the sliced strawberries and fresh mint leaves with the simple syrup until well combined and fragrant.
Fill the glass with crushed ice, squeezing it to the top.
Pour bourbon over the ice, allowing it to cascade through the crushed ice.
Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the flavors and chill the cocktail.
Garnish the Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep with a sprig of fresh mint and a wedge of lemon, if desired, for a vibrant and elegant presentation.
Serve immediately and savor the refreshing blend of sweet strawberries, aromatic mint, and smooth bourbon in this delicious version of the classic Mint Julep.
Whether you’re drinking the Strawberry Kentucky Mint Julep at the racetrack or enjoying it at home, this delicious drink is sure to capture the essence of spring in Kentucky and leave you wanting more. Cheers to the perfect combination of sweetness, freshness, and sophistication in every sip!
Note:
Woodford Reserve–Today it is one of the highest quality bourbons in the world and has also been the official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby since 1999. It is kept for more than 6 years of maturation in American oak barrels, it is composed of rye, corn, and barley, it has a fruity flavor of caramel and vanilla with hints of cocoa, cinnamon, and citrus, it is creamy on the palate with a long finish.
