Kentucky Derby Cocktails

With the sad news out that the Kentucky Derby will be ran without fans this year, doesn’t mean you still can’t celebrate.

Kentucky Derby at-home parties are the way to go! I threw one in May, check it out here!

One of the fun parts about celebrating Derby at home, is that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on cocktails at actual Churchill Downs. It is way cheaper to make your own! We all know Derby Day is a big party, but an at-home Derby party won’t break the bank.

There are so many fun Derby inspired cocktails, I thought I would list a few of them so you can make a few at your Derby celebrations this weekend!

Kentucky Derby Cocktails

Mint Julep

The most famous Kentucky Derby cocktail is the Mint Julep. So you bet I will be enjoying one or two this Saturday. See the recipe below:

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 1/2 – 2 oz simple syrup (recipe below)
• crushed ice
• splash of cold water
• 2 oz bourbon
• sprig of fresh mint (for garnish)

1. Add mint leaves and simple syrup to bottom of glass.  Muddle together with a muddler or handle of a wooden spoon.  
2. Top with plenty of crushed ice, then pour in splash of cold water, and bourbon.  
3. Stir, garnish with the sprig of mint, and serve!

Simple Syrup Recipe:

1 cup water

1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Add water and sugar to small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, boiling about 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Oaks Lily

The lesser known Kentucky Derby drink is the Oaks Lily. The Kentucky Oaks runs the Friday before the Derby and is for the fillies (female horses), and the Oaks Lily is the drink of choice. I personally like the Oaks Lily more than Mint Juleps.

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz Orange Liqueur
• 4 oz Cranberry Juice
• Lemon slices and fresh blackberries (for garnish)

1. Mix ingredients together and stir
2. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a fresh blackberry, and serve!

Old Fashion

I just feel like an Old Fashion on Derby day is classic!

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• Water
• 2 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters
• Cherry and Lemon Peel for Garnish

In an Old Fashioned glass add sugar and water.  Stir and dissolve sugar.  Add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters and 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon.  Stir, add ice and garnish with Cherry and Lemon Peel.

Jimmy Wink Cocktail

Named after James “Wink” Winkfield, famous African American Jockey

For infused simple syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground rosemary
• 1 clementine cut into quarters, skin left on

In a large saucepan combine all ingredients and cook on medium high heat until simmering. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Transfer to a quart jar, leaving rosemary sprigs in syrup to continue the infusion.

• 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
• Favorite dry cider 
• Orange peel for garnish

1. In a 16 oz mason jar or glass filled ¾ with ice
2. Add bourbon and infused simple syrup
3. Top with dry cider and garnish with a large orange peel squeezed and dropped into glass
4. Finish with a paper straw

Woodford Reserve Spire

This one just sounds very yummy! Plus it is such a pretty color and sounds refreshing on a hot day!

• 1.5 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
• 2 oz. Lemonade
• 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
• Lemon Twist

Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

Apple Cider Mimosa

Since the Derby will be ran in September, a fall inspired drink just makes sense. This would be a great option to get your party started!

• 1/2 apple (sliced)
• 1/2 flute of champagne, Prosecco, or sparking wine
• A splash of Apple Cider
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sugar rim)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for sugar rim)

1. Dip 2 champagne flutes in water. 
2. Season the rim of the glass.
3. Fill ½ glass with champagne
4. Fill rest of glass with apple cider. Garnish with apple slices

Sweet Kentucky Moon

I am a huge fan of Blue Moon, and with the sweetness of the sweet tea, this might be a game changer when it comes to cocktails!

• 4 oz. Sweet Tea                   
• 1 oz. Lemon Juice
• 1.5 oz. Bourbon
• 6 oz. Blue Moon
• Ice
• Lemon Garnish

1. Fill a Collins or stemless wine glass with ice.
2. Pour sweet tea, lemon juice and Bourbon over ice and stir it up.
3. Add the Blue Moon to top off your glass and gently combine with a swizzle stick.
4. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel(or go big with a whole slice) and enjoy!

What is your favorite Derby cocktail???

2