“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” needs an exciting drink to pair with it.
The Kentucky Derby is back on May 2, which means horse racing fans and casual viewers will gather at bars, restaurants and homes around the country to watch the heart-pounding first leg of the Triple Crown. The annual event has become a tradition for Americans with its floral garden party attire, seersucker suits, and bow ties.
But the Kentucky Derby wouldn’t be the same without delicious cocktails in hand. Most well-known, the Mint Julep is a symbol of the Derby. Churchill Downs, the official racetrack, and the Kentucky Derby have promoted the drink since 1938. In fact, more than 125,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack—that’s more than 10,000 bottles of Kentucky bourbon, 2,250 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 475,000 pounds of ice, according to official records. You can watch a video about the drink’s history here.
So, if you’re having friends and family over for the race this year, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of Mint Julep on tap. To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up five official Kentucky Derby cocktail (and a couple of mocktail) recipes, including the Mint Julep and the newest drink, the Paddock Paloma, here for your drink-making needs.
Cheers! And may the best horse win!
1. Old Forester Mint Julep
Photograph: courtesy Churchill Downs Racetrack | The Official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
Ingredients
2 ounces Old Forester 86 Proof
0.75 ounce Simple Syrup
8-10 mint leaves
3 mint sprigs for garnish
Preparation
Pack a mint julep cup with crushed ice. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, syrup and mint leaves. Lightly bruise mint leaves with a muddler, strain contents into a julep cup. Garnish with 3 generous sprigs of mint.
Make sure to slap the mint and insert a straw into the ice near the mint.
(Mint Julep mocktail)
Ingredients
.5 ounce Mint Simple Syrup
Top with Unsweetened Tea
Preparation
Build this drink in a tall glass with ice. Mix the ingredients in your glass with ice, then stir. Garnish with mint.
2. Woodford Reserve Spire
Photograph: courtesy Churchill Downs Racetrack | The Kentucky Derby’s official Woodford Reserve Spire
Ingredients
1.5 ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon
2 ounces Lemonade
1 ounce Cranberry Juice
Lemon Twist
Preparation
Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon twist.
(Spire Mocktail)
Ingredients
1.5 ounces Unsweetened Tea
2 ounces Lemonade
1 ounce Cranberry Juice
Preparation
Build this drink in a tall glass with ice. Mix the ingredients in your glass with ice, then stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge or twist.
3. Herradura Horseshoe Margarita
Photograph: courtesy Churchill Downs Racetrack | The Kentucky Derby’s official Herradura Horseshoe Margarita
Ingredients
2 ounces Herradura Reposado
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce agave nectar
Garnish with a lime wheel
Preparation
Combine all ingredients and shake with ice to chill. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with a half-salt rim and lime.
4. Oaks Lily
Photograph: courtesy Churchill Downs Racetrack | The Kentucky Derby’s Official Oaks Lily cocktail
Ingredients
1 part Vodka
1 part Sweet and Sour Mix
1/4 part Triple Sec
3 parts Cranberry Juice
Preparation
Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice. Add in the ingredients and stir. Add a straw and garnish with blackberries and a lemon wedge.
5. Paddock Paloma (newest addition)
Photograph: courtesy Churchill Downs Racetrack | The Kentucky Derby’s official Paddock Paloma cocktail
Ingredients
1 part Herradura Reposado
2 parts Q Mixers Sparkling Grapefruit
Garnish with lime
Preparation
Fill a highball or rocks glass with fresh ice. Add 1 part Herradura Reposado. Top with 2 parts Q Mixers Sparkling Grapefruit. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and serve immediately.
Want to pair these with good food? Plan out your party with tips, recipes and ideas from the horse’s mouth!
Dining and Cooking