This weekend is the Kentucky Derby! The famous race is always held on the first Saturday in May, and for me that has made it synonymous with the start of spring. While I’m hardly an avid fan of horse racing, I look forward to the Derby every year. It’s a perfect excuse to mix up some cocktails and get together with friends. After all, the race itself is only two minutes long – everyone knows the Kentucky Derby is really about the party!
Of course, parties may look a little different for most of us nowadays, and the Derby will as well. Spectators at Churchill Downs will be limited, so even more people will be watching from home. So it’s the perfect year to master making your own Derby cocktails. Whether you’re mixing for two people or a crowd, you’ll want to check out these recipes for all your Derby-day needs!
No Derby party would be complete without an Old Forester Mint Julep. This sweet and aromatic cocktail has a long history, and has been a part of the Kentucky Derby for years. Since bourbon plays a starring role in this drink, you want to choose a quality bottle. This year I’m mixing mine with Old Forester 86 Proof. And make sure you have fresh mint for the drink and the garnish. I’m looking forward to picking mine straight from my garden!
Old Forester Mint Julep
2 parts Old Forester 86 Proof
3/4 part simple syrup
8-10 mint leaves
Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a julep cup and muddle gently. Top with bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice. Garnish with three sprigs of mint, slapped against your hand to release their aromatics. Serve with a straw.
But maybe the Mint Julep isn’t your cup of tea (or bourbon). If you’re looking to try something different this year, you’ll be happy to know that there are two other signature Derby cocktails you’ve got to try.
The first cocktail is the Oaks Lily, made with Finlandia Vodka. I only recently learned that, on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, there is another race called the Kentucky Oaks. Instead of the “Run for the Roses,” this race is the “Lillies for the Fillies,” since only female horses can compete. Pink is the color of choice for the event, and the stands of Churchill Downs become a sea of pink suits, dresses, and hats. As such, the blush-colored Oaks Lily is the perfect cocktail for the Kentucky Oaks. Its fruity flavor and vodka base make it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Finlandia Oaks Lily
1.5 part Finlandia Vodka
1/4 part Triple Sec
1 part sweet and sour mix
3 parts cranberry juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a stemless wine glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and a blackberry.
The second new Derby cocktail I discovered this year is the Woodford Spire. Unlike its minty cousin, the Spire is served in a copper cup. It’s an incredibly refreshing combination of lemonade, cranberry juice, and Woodford Reserve. It’s very simple to mix up, and it can also be made as a mocktail by omitting the bourbon, which is a wonderful option for anyone avoiding alcohol.
Woodford Reserve Spire
1.5 parts Woodford Reserve Bourbon
2 parts lemonade
1 part cranberry juice
Combine all ingredients in a copper cup filled with crushed ice. Add more crushed ice on top and garnish with a lemon twist. Serve with a straw.
I’m looking forward to cheering through “the most exciting two minutes in sports” with these three recipes and these three great spirits. Enjoy the Derby and stay safe! Cheers!
This post was sponsored by Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Finlandia. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!