Most Americans care about horse racing approximately never, with the one major exception being the Kentucky Derby. Every May, the pomp and circumstance of this great American tradition inspires parties nationwide. People throw down bets, cheer on horses named McCraken, Practical Joke and Cloud Computing (all real names), and slurp down refreshing afternoon libations. Here, the best cocktails to make on Derby Day.
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14 Best Cocktails to Serve at Your Kentucky Derby Party
The Kentucky Derby = Mint Juleps. Yes, there are more out-of-the-box cocktail options (we’ll get to those), but you can't even think about the Derby without a Mint Julep magically appearing in your hand—served in the traditional silver chalice, of course. Made with crushed ice, mint, simple syrup and good ol' Kentucky bourbon, the traditional Julep is darn near perfect on a hot Derby day, and any self-respecting Southerner wouldn't have it any other way.
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An ode to the Julep's medicinal past, the Prescription Julep *gasp* doesn't use bourbon. Instead, it calls for Cognac, along with a splash of rye whiskey, a rich simple syrup and mint. It might not be real medicine but it will certainly make you feel good.
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Sure, the horses do most of the leg work, but how would they become prize winning steeds without their jockeys? Honor the riders by sipping a Jockey Club—a sweet, Southern-inspired take on the Manhattan that swaps out spicy rye for smooth bourbon and adds a touch of maraschino liqueur for a fruitier flavor.
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The Mint Julep isn’t the only classic cocktail to come out of Kentucky. This spritzy, fluted cocktail was first served in Louisville at the Old Seelbach Bar in the ‘90s and was said to be a long-lost recipe from pre-Prohibition days. Disappointingly, bar manager Adam Seger eventually revealed that he made up the lore to drum up business, but the delightful blend of bourbon, Cointreau, sparkling wine and a few hefty dashes of both Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters is too delicious for us to care.
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Those looking to inject some modernity into their Julep need to try the Asian-inspired Shiso Bourbon. Made by bartender Michael Noah of New York’s Marc Forgione, this cooling, crushed ice cocktail mixes bourbon and zesty lime juice with a homemade shiso syrup, which gives the drink a grassy, lightly minty flavor.
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Even if the brown stuff isn’t for you, you can still celebrate Derby Day. Skip the bourbon and embrace seasonal spring ingredients and elegant garden parties with this sugar snap pea Margarita. Even though it’s made with tequila (and inspired by England), this drink still delivers classic Southern flavors of muddled mint, apricot and tea. Plus, if there’s anyone who loves a day at the races more than Kentuckians, it’s the Brits.
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Another whiskey-less, but thematically on point cocktail option is the Pimm's Cup, a low-ABV spring sipper made with Pimm's No. 1 (an herbal and fruity gin-based liqueur), mint, lemon-lime soda and a bounty of fresh fruit. Our favorite combination is strawberries, lemons and cucumber, but it's also fun experimenting with blackberries, oranges and ginger beer in place of the soda.
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Big bet winners on Derby Day deserve a Julep variation that’s truly celebratory. Bartenders figured out long ago that combining a Champagne Cocktail with the Mint Julep creates an extravagant, bubbly version of the classic minty bourbon drink. It’s dry, effervescent and sweet like the Champagne Cocktail but still has that down home Southern character—the perfect hybrid for a Kentucky high roller.
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