As you watch The Kentucky Derby – A.K.A. “the most exciting two minutes in sports” – action unfold, it’s pretty much customary to sip on a mint julep, so here are a few cocktails that were inspired by the traditional Southern drink.
Recibido Julep: (Created by Kenneth Vanhooser, Principal Bartender at Piora)
![]() |
Slow & Low Julep. (Courtesy Photo) |
Directions: Combine Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, watermelon juice, Laphroig Tripple Wood, and mint syrup with ice in a shaker and mix. Top with club soda over crushed ice.
Slow & Low Julep:
Directions: Muddle whiskey and mint in a mix glass. Add 1 large cube of ice. Stir, but not so much as to dilute – a bakers dozen revolutions. Add liberal amounts of crushed ice to more than fill the tin cup. Fine strain contents of mix into a glass over crushed ice. Garnish with six mint leaves.
![]() |
Baby Bourbon Smash. (Courtesy Photo) |
Baby Bourbon Smash:
Directions: Muddle lemons, 4-6 mint leaves, and simple syrup in the bottom of an Old Fashioned/rocks glass. Add cracked ice, Hudson Baby Bourbon, and top with splash of club soda. Stir briefly to combine and garnish with a mint sprig.
Champagne Mint Julep:
Directions: Mix together Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, sparkling white wine, elderflower liqueur. Muddle with mint. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with lemon twist.
![]() |
Champagne Mint Julep. (Courtesy Photo) |