Kentucky Derby is a good place to be if you want an exhilarating experience of horse racing while having refreshing cocktails like a Mint Julep. If you have already planned your vacation during the derby, you must learn more about the cocktails you can drink there. Here is a list of our favorite bourbon drinks for Kentucky Derby.
Top 10 Bourbon Drinks To Try At Kentucky Derby Parties
10. Blade & Bow Gold Rush
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Blade & Bow bourbon
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup
- lemon twist (garnish)
Instructions:
Begin the recipe by placing all ingredients inside the shaker filled with ice halfway, except the garnish. Vigorously shake until contents are chilled—strain contents over rocks glass. Garnish and serve.
Serving: 1
9. Van Winkle Old Fashioned
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2.5 ounces Pappy Van Winkle bourbon (preferably 10- or 15-year)
- 2 cubes of raw sugar
- 5 dashes of orange bitters
- 5 dashes of Angostura bitters
- orange slice
Instructions:
Place an orange slice at the bottom of the rocks glass. Place a napkin at the top of your glass and place sugar cubes. Drop Angostura and orange bitters into the cubes before dumping them into the glass.
Add remaining ingredients and muddle contents but avoid including the orange peel. Lastly, add the remaining whiskey and stir well. Serve.
Serving:1
8. Cranberry Manhattan
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces whiskey (preferably rye)
- ½ ounce vermouth (sweet )
- ½ ounce Brandied Cranberry or cranberry juice
- dash orange bitters
- orange peel and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice halfway. Pour whiskey, vermouth, and cranberry juice, cover, and shake vigorously. Then strain the contents into a martini glass. Add orange bitters and garnish with cranberries and orange peel.
Serving: 1
7. Letters & Speeches
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.25 ounces Calumet Farm bourbon whiskey
- 0.5 ounce Fino Sherry
- 0.25 ounce orange liqueur
- 0.5 ounce Maraschino liqueur
- Cherries for Garnish
Instructions:
Begin this recipe by pouring all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker and mixing them thoroughly. Double strain contents on a chilled coupe glass. Top with cherries on a skewer.
Serving: 1
6. The Blonde Bomber
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon
- .75 ounce lemon or lime juice
- .75 ounce glucose
- Cherry or Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, then add bourbon, lemon juice, and glucose [1]. You can make your own syrup by mixing water and sugar in a small saucepan and bringing it to a boil for a couple of minutes. Or, you can use a store-bought syrup.
Shake very well. Strain contents and pour over a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with a cherry or lemon wedge.
Serving: 1
5. Watermelon Smash
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ cup watermelon chopped/¼ cup watermelon juice
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 ounce bourbon
- 1 ounce white rum or vodka
- 4 mint leaves (large) or more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons simple syrup
- Crushed ice for serving
Instructions:
Prepare crushed ice. Next, place mint leaves inside the cocktail shaker. Muddle contents gently. Add in watermelon and muddle along with mint to release juices.
Add the remaining ingredients, then add fresh ice. Shake contents vigorously until chilled. Prepare lowball glass and add ice — fine strain when doing so. Top with watermelon slices and mint, and enjoy this refreshing drink.
Serving: 1
4. Crescent Coffee
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce bourbon whiskey
- 6 ounces of hot coffee
- 1/2 ounce honey liqueur
- whipped cream (optional for garnishing)
Instructions:
Add bourbon and the sweet liqueur to an Irish coffee glass or cup. Then add in freshly-brewed hot coffee. Stir briefly and top with whipped cream with dashes of chocolate bitters. Drink and enjoy your Kentucky Derby cocktail in a cup.
Serving: 1
3. Maker’s Sour
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Maker’s Mark bourbon
- 1 ounce syrup
- 0.5 ounce lemon juice
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and sweet syrup with ice and shake vigorously—strain over a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with lemon peel and cherry.
Serving: 1
2. Autumn Leaves
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce bourbon
- 1 ounce Drambuie
- 0.5 ounce Campari
- 0.5 ounce lime juice
- lime twist and orange wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Pour bourbon, Drambuie, Campari, and lime juice into an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir well, then strain contents from the mixing glass into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish and enjoy.
Serving: 1
1. Mint Julep
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 mint leaves
- .05 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- mint sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare this traditional mint Julep cocktail by starting by muddling the fresh mint leaves lightly. Add simple syrup and crushed ice to the Julep cup, then muddle lightly.
Add more crushed ice, mint sprig [2], and bourbon to the julep cup. Slap a fresh mint sprig on your hand before using it as a julep garnish. Have fun with your Mint Julep drink!
Serving: 1
What’s the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is an annual American horse race in Louisville, Kentucky, usually celebrated on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.
There is an ongoing derby party during the Kentucky Derby race. They serve classic Mint Julep, Woodford Reserve, and other cocktails and drinks for everyone present on Derby day.
FAQs Related to Bourbon Drinks For Kentucky Derby
What bourbon is served at the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby, an iconic event steeped in tradition and history, has a signature bourbon that is celebrated and cherished by attendees and enthusiasts alike. The official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby is none other than Woodford Reserve.
As a Kentucky-based distillery located near the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, Woodford Reserve embodies the essence of Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship and heritage. Its smooth and flavorful profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, makes it the perfect complement to the excitement and elegance of the Derby festivities.
Whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in classic Derby cocktails, Woodford Reserve captures the spirit of the Derby and adds a touch of Kentucky charm to every celebration.
Are there non-bourbon Kentucky Derby drinks?
While bourbon is undeniably the star of the show at the Kentucky Derby, there are also plenty of non-bourbon drinks that are enjoyed by attendees looking to explore a variety of flavors and refreshments. Mint Julep, the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, is traditionally made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice, but variations using other spirits such as vodka or rum can also be found.
Additionally, the Derby offers a wide selection of classic cocktails, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to all tastes and preferences. From refreshing gin and tonics to crisp and fruity wines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Kentucky Derby, regardless of their spirit of choice.
What Are Some Classic Bourbon Drinks Perfect for the Kentucky Derby?
Mint Julep, the iconic Derby cocktail, is a refreshing blend of bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice, served in a frosty silver cup. Additionally, Kentucky Oaks Lily, a vibrant and fruity cocktail made with bourbon, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice, is another popular choice.
Can I Serve Bourbon Cocktails Other Than Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby?
Absolutely! While Mint Julep is synonymous with the Derby, you can also serve variations like Bourbon Sweet Tea, Bourbon Smash, Bourbon Peach Tea, or even a classic Old Fashioned, which are all crowd-pleasers at Derby parties.
How Do I Make a Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby?
To make a Mint Julep, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar and a splash of water in a silver julep cup. Fill the cup with crushed ice, add bourbon, stir well, and garnish with a mint sprig for the perfect Derby refreshment.
Are There Any Bourbon Cocktails That Pay Homage to Kentucky’s Heritage for the Derby?
Certainly! You can try the Kentucky Mule, a bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice, or the Kentucky Sunrise, featuring bourbon, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine.
Can I Prepare Bourbon Cocktails in Advance for a Kentucky Derby Party?
Yes, you can pre-batch certain bourbon cocktails like Mint Juleps or Kentucky Oaks Lily in pitchers or dispensers, allowing guests to serve.
Should I Serve Traditional Southern Fare Alongside Bourbon Cocktails for the Derby?
Serving traditional Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, Kentucky hot brown sandwiches, bourbon-glazed pork belly bites, or bourbon-infused pecan pie can complement the bourbon cocktails and enhance the Derby party experience.
What Is the Best Way to Present Bourbon Cocktails at a Kentucky Derby Gathering?
Consider setting up a DIY bourbon bar with various bourbon brands, mixers, garnishes, and Derby-themed decor, allowing guests to create their own bourbon cocktails and adding an interactive element to your Derby party.
In Summary
Kentucky Derby is a special event that calls for an equally special drink.
Having a glass of Woodford Reserve straight or mixed with Triple Sec while awaiting who wins the triple crown is a way to celebrate the special occasion.
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