Stock Up For Your Celebration Early! We’re Closed on Sunday, 4/20 for Easter.
The actual Kentucky Derby may only last a couple of minutes, but the Derby watch party can carry on for hours. It may seem like we just celebrated the Kentucky Derby, but this year the race has returned to its traditional date - the first Saturday in May. As we get back to some normalcy and small gatherings, it’s important to remember that keeping your guests entertained is a must. You don’t want them galloping out of the festivities before the garland of roses is placed over the winning horse. To ensure your soiree is successful, we’ve outlined three Derby Day basics to follow when planning your party:
Don a derby hat. The bigger, the better. You can also step out in style with a fascinator or boater hat.
Dig up some red roses. The red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby in 1904, so it’s only appropriate to have it featured at your Derby party. Afterall, the event’s nickname is the “Run for the Roses.”
Serve something Southern. Specifically, have something from Kentucky. What do we mean? Bourbon of course! Tackle the traditional mint julep or add your own twist. You can even serve up a bourbon-infused feast. We’ve taken the liberty of preplanning some menu items.
The Kentucky Derby is more than just “the fastest two minutes in sports”—it’s also the perfect occasion to enjoy Derby-inspired cocktails. The Mint Julep reigns supreme, with over 120,000 served at Churchill Downs each year. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Mint Julep, plus creative variations to celebrate Derby Day.
What is a Mint Julep?
A Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail made with fresh mint, sugar, crushed ice, and a generous pour of bourbon, traditionally served in a silver or pewter julep cup.
What is the best bourbon for a Mint Julep?
A high-quality bourbon is best. Here are some suggestions:
Why use crushed ice?
Crushed ice helps chill the drink faster and dilute it slightly, making it smooth and refreshing. It also causes the julep cup to frost over, keeping your drink colder for longer.
Do you need a julep cup?
A traditional metal julep cup is preferred because it keeps the drink colder. However, if you don’t have one, a rocks glass works just fine.
How do you properly muddle mint?
Gently press the mint with sugar at the bottom of the cup to release the oils—but don’t crush it too hard, or it may turn bitter.
The Recipe
8-10 mint leaves
2 bar spoons of superfine sugar
2 ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Crushed ice
2 mint sprigs
Powdered sugar
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. In the same glass, add sugar, bourbon and crushed ice. Stir and garnish with more ice, fresh mint and powdered sugar.
Want to add flavor and flare to your Juleps? These cocktails are anything but conventional. By swapping one or two ingredients, you can pander to your taste preferences while still sticking to the theme.
The Recipe
6 mint leaves
2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
2 ounces Haton Brut Classic Champagne
½ ounce Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
Mint sprig
Gently muddle mint leaves in a julep cup to express the oils. Add crushed ice, whisky, champagne and elderflower liqueur. Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon twist.
The Recipe
6 mint leaves
4 basil leaves
3 – 5 cubes of watermelon
2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
1 ounce lime juice
Course sea salt
Mint sprig
Watermelon slice
Muddle mint and basil leaves with watermelon cubes in a julep cup. Stir in whisky and lime juice. Add crushed ice and sprinkle sea salt on top. Garnish with a mint sprig and watermelon slice.
The Recipe
2 ounces Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey
¾ ounce honey simple syrup*
4 dashes aromatic bitters
5 mint leaves
Mint sprig
*Honey simple syrup
1 cup water
1 cup honey
For honey simple syrup: Combine water and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until honey dissolves. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature.
For cocktail: Muddle mint and honey syrup in stirring glass. Add ice, whiskey and lemon juice and stir well. Strain over fresh crushed ice. Top with bitters and garnish with mint sprig.
The Recipe
3 strawberries
6 mint leaves
2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
½ ounce simple syrup
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
Mint sprig
Muddle 2 strawberries and mint leaves in a julep cup, then add ice. Add bourbon, simple syrup and lemon juice to a shaker. Shake well and strain contents into cup. Garnish with a mint sprig and strawberry.
