14 Best Kentucky Derby Cocktails

Mint Juleps may be the most famous Derby cocktail, but they’re not the only drink worth toasting with on race day. Classic bourbon creations and refreshing Southern sippers make Derby parties even better. Here are 14 of the best Kentucky Derby cocktails to enjoy while cheering for your favorite horse.

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is the iconic drink of the Kentucky Derby. It’s a cool, refreshing cocktail known for its fresh mint flavor.

Here’s how you can make your own Mint Julep at home:

Ingredients:

1.5 oz bourbon
1 tsp sugar
8-10 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice

Instructions:

Gently muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a julep cup.
Fill the cup with crushed ice.
Pour the bourbon over the ice.
Stir well until the cup frosts.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Serve in a traditional Mint Julep glass if available. Enjoy your refreshing Mint Julep while imagining the excitement of the Derby!

Kentucky Mule

A Kentucky Mule offers a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. You use bourbon instead of vodka, creating a refreshing cocktail perfect for any occasion. The spicy ginger beer and fresh lime juice balance the deep, rich flavor of bourbon.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
Ice cubes
Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a copper mule mug with ice cubes.
Pour bourbon and lime juice over the ice.
Top with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.

When preparing a Kentucky Mule, always choose fresh lime juice. It elevates the drink, adding zest and freshness. You can also make a large batch. Simply multiply the recipe ingredients to fit your needs.

Use copper mugs for serving. They keep your cocktail colder longer. This enhances the crisp and refreshing qualities.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and timeless appeal. This drink is a staple at any Kentucky Derby gathering. It’s made with bourbon or rye, offering a rich and smooth flavor.

You’ll need the following ingredients:

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Ice

To prepare your Old Fashioned:

Place the sugar cube in a glass.
Add the bitters to the sugar cube.
Muddle the sugar and bitters until dissolved.
Pour in the whiskey.
Add ice to the glass.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with an orange peel.

This cocktail requires minimal effort, yet it provides a satisfying drink experience. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the bitter notes from the Angostura create a harmonious flavor.

The garnish of orange peel not only adds aroma but also enhances the visual appeal. Whether you’re a novice or experienced cocktail enthusiast, the Old Fashioned is a must-try at your next Kentucky Derby event. Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste, making this drink appreciable for various palates.

Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash blends the boldness of bourbon with refreshing citrus and mint. It’s perfect for the Kentucky Derby festivities.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
1 oz simple syrup
2-3 lemon wedges
4-5 fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Muddle lemon wedges and mint in a shaker.
Add bourbon, simple syrup, and ice.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a mint sprig or lemon twist.

The smoothness of the bourbon harmonizes with sweet and citrusy flavors. The mint adds a refreshing touch. Enjoy this vibrant mix as you watch the Derby.

Brown Derby

The Brown Derby cocktail is a classic drink with a refreshing citrus twist. It combines the warmth of bourbon with tangy grapefruit and a hint of honey. This cocktail offers a delightful balance of flavors.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz bourbon
1 oz grapefruit juice
0.5 oz honey syrup

Instructions:

Add bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to a shaker with ice.
Shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a grapefruit twist for added aroma and flair.

Serve your Brown Derby cocktail chilled in a cocktail glass for a polished presentation. This drink is ideal for a Derby-themed gathering or any occasion where you crave a sophisticated blend of sweet and tangy notes.

Horse’s Neck

The Horse’s Neck cocktail is a classic choice for Derby day. This drink is refreshing and easy to prepare. It combines brandy or bourbon with ginger ale and a lemon peel.

Ingredients

2 oz brandy or bourbon
Ginger ale, to top
Lemon peel, a long spiral for garnish

Instructions

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour the brandy or bourbon over the ice.
Add the ginger ale to fill the glass.
Twist the lemon peel, releasing oils, and drape it over the rim.

Enjoy the simplicity of the Horse’s Neck alongside the excitement of the races. Perfect for sipping on a warm day, it pairs well with Derby festivities.

Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail with a smooth balance of flavors. Often enjoyed during events like the Kentucky Derby, this drink combines tartness and sweetness with the robust character of whiskey.

To make a Whiskey Sour, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Ice cubes

Optional garnishes include cherry and an orange slice.

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice.
Pour bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice if you like.

The Whiskey Sour offers a refreshing experience with lively citrus notes. Adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of simple syrup. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Kentucky Buck

The Kentucky Buck is a refreshing cocktail with a bit of a kick. This bourbon-based drink provides a delightful combination of flavors. It’s perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or any occasion.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
1 fresh strawberry
2 dashes Angostura bitters
3 oz ginger beer

Instructions

Muddle the strawberry in a cocktail shaker to release its juices.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake well to mix.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
Top with ginger beer for a fizzy finish.
Garnish with a strawberry slice or lemon wheel, if desired.

This drink combines the sweetness of strawberries with the spice of ginger beer and the warmth of bourbon. It’s a crowd-pleaser that suits any festive gathering. Enjoy this cocktail responsibly while savoring each sip.

Mint Bourbon Lemonade

Mint Bourbon Lemonade combines refreshing mint and smooth bourbon with bright citrus.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
Lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

Muddle mint: In a shaker, gently muddle mint leaves with the simple syrup.
Add ingredients: Pour in bourbon and lemon juice. Fill shaker with ice.
Shake well: Vigorously shake until the mixture is well chilled.
Strain and serve: Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish: Add a mint sprig and lemon wheel for a fresh look.

This cocktail captures the spirit of the Kentucky Derby. It’s perfect for warm days. Enjoy the layers of flavors in each sip.

Southern Belle

When you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby, a Southern Belle cocktail is essential. This cocktail embraces the Southern charm and flavors.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
Fresh peach slices for garnish
Crushed ice

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with crushed ice.
Pour in bourbon, peach schnapps, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Shake well for 15 seconds.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with fresh peach slices.

The dance of bourbon and peach schnapps creates a delightful balance. The fresh lemon juice adds a crisp note, elevating the flavors perfectly. Simple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness to the mix.

Serve the Southern Belle in a tall glass to enhance its elegance. This drink symbolizes the spirit of Southern hospitality. It’s perfect for sunny afternoons at the Derby.

Enjoy your Southern Belle on Derby Day. Its refreshing taste will make any occasion special.

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is home to the iconic Kentucky Derby. Known for its rich tradition, it hosts this prestigious event in Louisville, Kentucky. Every first Saturday in May, horse racing fans gather at this legendary racetrack. The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.

Churchill Downs is known for its association with famous cocktails. The Mint Julep is particularly popular. To make this drink yourself, gather the following ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water
4 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice

Instructions:

Muddle the mint leaves with sugar and water in a glass.
Fill the glass with crushed ice.
Add bourbon and stir well.
Garnish with a mint sprig.

Another favorite is the Woodford Spire. To prepare this unique cocktail, you need:

1.5 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon
2 oz lemonade
1 oz cranberry juice

Instructions:

Mix bourbon, lemonade, and cranberry juice in a glass.
Add ice and stir gently.
Serve in a highball glass and enjoy.

These beverages are a cherished part of the Churchill Downs experience. Embrace the tradition by crafting these cocktails at your own gathering.

Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

Discover the delightful Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade. This twist on a classic combines the tartness of blackberries with the rich flavor of bourbon, creating a refreshing cocktail perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup (mix equal parts sugar and water)
1/2 cup fresh blackberries
Mint sprig for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions

Muddle blackberries in a shaker until they release their juices.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Fill with ice and shake well until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with mint and a blackberry.

This refreshing cocktail balances sweet, tart, and robust flavors. Enjoy the harmony of ingredients in every sip. Adjust sweetness to your preference by altering the simple syrup amount. Ideal for warm days and festive gatherings.

Bourbon Peach Tea

Bourbon Peach Tea is a refreshing drink perfect for warm Derby days. This cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of peach and the lightness of tea.

To make Bourbon Peach Tea, gather the following ingredients:

2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce peach schnapps
4 ounces brewed black tea (cooled)
1 ounce peach puree
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Pour bourbon, peach schnapps, and black tea into a shaker.
Add peach puree and lemon juice.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.

Garnishing ideas: Add a peach slice and a sprig of mint. These add freshness and color, making your drink visually appealing. Serve this cocktail at your Derby party to impress your guests with its delightful blend of flavors.