Off To The Races: Five Kentucky Derby Themed Drinks

Grandstand Julep. (Courtesy Photo)

Derby day is almost upon us. On Saturday, May 2nd, 20 jockeys and their horses will compete during the 141st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. As you watch what is touted as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports,” here are five sips to try, including a mint julep, of course.

1. Whitney’s Rosewater Mint Julep: (Created by Claire Thomas of The Kitchy Kitchen)

4 fresh Mint Leaves

1 tablespoon Rose Syrup or 1 tablespoon Simple Syrup with a few drops of Rosewater

3 oz. Bourbon

crushed Ice

2 oz. Soda Water

Directions: Tear and muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of glass with the simple syrup and a few drops of bourbon. Add the ice and pour the bourbon, followed by rosewater and soda on top. Stir with a bar spoon and top off with a little more soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Basil Hayden’s High Stakes Julep and Galloping Gimlet. (Courtesy Photos)

2. All the King’s Horses:

1 1/2 oz. Grey Goose Le Melon

1 oz. fresh Grapefruit Juice

1 oz fresh Lemon Juice

1 oz. St. Germain

1 Jalapeno

Directions: Muddle one slice jalapeno in a shaker. Add remaining ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice and top with soda and jalapeno garnish.

3. Galloping Gimlet:

1.5 parts Skinnygirl Bare Naked Vodka

1.5 parts fresh Lime Juice

Directions: Shake with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Basil Hayden’s High Stakes Julep: (Created by Marie Zahn of Louisville, Kentucky)

2 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

1 bar spoon Apricot Jelly or Preserves

10 Mint Leaves

All the King’s Horses. (Courtesy Photo)

Directions: Add 8 mint leaves to a glass and lightly press with the back of a bar spoon. Add Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, apricot jelly and crushed ice into the glass. Swizzle briefly and add more crushed ice until it is mounding over the top of the glass. Add a straw and garnish with additional sprigs of mint.

5. Grandstand Julep:

1 1/2 oz. Cynar

3/4 oz. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

1/2 oz. fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 oz. fresh Grapefruit Juice

12 Mint Leaves

2 oz. Soda Water

2 dashes Fee Brother’s Grapefruit Bitters

Directions: In a Julep cup or rocks glass add mint and all ingredients except soda water and bitters. Gently muddle, add ice then soda and top with bitters.