Kick Off the Kentucky Derby with These co*cktails (2024)

Updated 05/5/23

• Mint Julep

  

  Let’s start with that most traditional of Derby co*cktails. This refreshing drink—made with bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, an optional dash of bitters, and lots of crushed ice—is easy to have in hand while watching the race and throughout the day. Make sure to stir your mixture until the cup is frosty for optimal results.

  Get the recipe.

• Brown Derby

  

  Though its name actually nods to a 1930s-era diner, its bourbon backbone makes the Brown Derby a great addition to any Derby Day spread. The Whiskey Sour-like co*cktail also includes fresh grapefruit juice and honey syrup.

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• Kentucky Maid

  

  See Also

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  This easy-drinking modern classic from bartender Sam Ross combines bourbon with mint, cucumber, and simple syrup. It’s similar to a Mint Julep, but arguably even more refreshing.

  Get the recipe.

• Preakness

  

  Different horse race, still a great co*cktail. The Preakness is a twist on a classic Manhattan that’s made with the usual suspects: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. But the real twist comes from the addition of Benedictine, which adds an unexpectedly herbaceous and complex flavor to the spirit-forward drink.

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• Bourbon Rickey

  

  Although it has been usurped in popularity by the Gin Rickey, this original version of the Rickey was reportedly created in the late 19th century at the request of lobbyist Joe Rickey, who preferred his drinks on the tart side. The simple combination of bourbon, lime juice, and sparkling water can be prepared right in the glass.

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• Jockey Club

  

  This close cousin of a Manhattan will elevate even the most casual race-viewing parties. The sophisticated and spirit-forward sipper mixes bourbon, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur.

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• Kentucky Buck

  

  This fruity take on theBuck from bar pro Erick Castro combines bourbon with strawberries, lemon juice, rich ginger syrup, Angostura bitters, and club soda. You can also use ginger beer instead of syrup to simply the drink’s preparation.

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• Oaks Lily

  

  For fans of the Oaks Derby (Kentucky’s other big race), this light and refreshing vodka drink is just the ticket. Named for the stargazer lilies that are placed on the race’s winning filly, the combination of vodka, cranberry and lemon juices, orange liqueur, and simple syrup subtly nods to the Cosmopolitan.

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• Kentucky Mule

  

  A classic Moscow Mule—made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer—is exceedingly easy to make and drink. This Derby-friendly rendition puts bourbon front and center.

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• Peach Beer Julep

  

  See Also

  The Belmont Jewel co*cktail Recipe – A Nerd Cooks

  Bar pro Lynnette Marerro was inspired by the stone-fruit notes of India Pale Ales to pair an IPA syrup with muddled peaches in this Julep riff. The refreshing drink also features the classic bourbon and mint.

  Get the recipe.

• Horse’s Neck

  

  Once just a glass of non-alcoholic ginger ale, the Horse’s Neck has come a long way since its late 19th-century beginnings. The two-ingredient drink is still easy to make: Just pour bourbon, brandy, or American rye whiskey over ice and top with ginger ale and a lemon peel.

  Get the recipe.

• Albariño Mint Julep

  

  This low-proof riff on the Mint Julep from bar pro Alex Day is ideal for afternoon drinking. To re-create the drink, simply combine the crisp white wine albariño with peach liqueur crème de pêche in an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a mint sprig.

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• Whiskey Smash

  

  Similar to a Mint Julep, this citrusy drink also includes muddled lemon wedges in a combination of bourbon, simple syrup, and mint. You can easily riff on the classic template by muddling other fruit, too.

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• Kentucky Flyer

  

  This Aviation riff skips the crème de violette and swaps gin for rye whiskey alongside maraschino liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Shake it up with ice, strain, and garnish with brandied cherries and a mint leaf.

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• Pale Horse Rickey

  

  This bright, inventive Rickey variation from bartender China Morbosa swaps bourbon for mezcal. The smoky and earthy spirit plays well with manzanilla sherry, lemon juice, and a homemade mango-infused carbonated coconut water.

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• High Horse

  

  Sip a co*cktail as American as Derby Day. Inspired by the story of George Washington cutting down a cherry tree, Death & Co bartender Shannon Tebay Sidle created this Rum Manhattan riff with colonial-era ingredients: aged rum, kirsch brandy, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.

  Get the recipe.

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• Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita

  

  This fruity co*cktail merges two favorites, combining tequila with muddled blackberries and mint leaves, honey syrup, and lime juice over lots of crushed ice. Using an aged tequila helps to evoke the toasted notes of bourbon.

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• Thin Mint Julep

  

  Enjoy your favorite Girl Scout cookies all year round with this richer take on the Mint Julep. White crème de cacao adds chocolate notes to the combination of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup.

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• Man o’War

  

  This co*cktail is named for one of the world’s greatest racehorses. While Man O’War never competed in the Kentucky Derby, he won the other two legs of the Triple Crown in 1920.To honor him in liquid form, shake together this combination of bourbon, triple sec, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice.

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• Gin on Gin Julep

  

  Gin and genever star in this Julep riff. The two spirits are close pals that meld beautifully when combined with simple syrup and mint. Club soda and a mint sprig garnish add extra refreshment.

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