Saturday, May 2, is the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby. So put on your ridiculously fancy party hat and get ready for the "greatest two minutes in sports" — and of course, some celebratory sipping.
The pre-race coverage starts at 5 p.m., and since it's always 5 o'clock somewhere, you'll want to have your drink game ready. While American Pharaoh and Dortmund are both favorites this year, you'll definitely want to down one if your horse of choice doesn't win, place or show.
The Kentucky Derby is known for its signature drink, the Mint Julep — but win or lose, there are plenty of other sure bets for alcoholic beverages. So invite your friends and family over to watch the quickest sporting event, put out some finger food and dress up in your Louisville finest.
Stop horsing around and get set for some cocktails worth the Triple Crown for your Kentucky Derby party.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has been a staple of the Kentucky Derby for decades. It's so easy to make, even a horse anyone can do it. All you need is bourbon, fresh mint leaves, soda water and some ice.
Fun fact: 10,000 bottles of Old Forester bourbon are served during Derby weekend, along with 1,000 pounds of mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.
Boil 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar with 4 to 6 mint sprigs to make the mint syrup. Muddle mint leaves and syrup in the bottom of a glass and gill half with crushed ice. Pour in 2 oz. of bourbon and top it off with soda water. Use mint as a garnish.
Brown Derby Cocktail
If you aren't a fan of mint, then this drink is for you. The Brown Derby Cocktail still includes the belly-warming bourbon, while the grapefruit and honey bring some sweetness.
To make this drink, combine 2 oz. of bourbon, .75 oz. of grapefruit juice, and .5 oz. of honey in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with grapefruit twist.
Oaks Lily
The Oaks Lily is the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks, a race that started back in 1875. Grey Goose is used in the official Oaks Lily, but you can substitute it with any vodka of your choice.
To make this drink, combine 1 1/4 oz. of vodka, 1 oz. of sweet and sour mix, and 1/4 oz. of Triple Sec and 3 oz. of cranberry juice in a cot ail shaker. Pour into a class with crushed iced, and garnish with blackberry and a wedge of lemon.
Sweet Tea Mint Juleps
There are so many spins on the classic Mint Julep. They range from blueberry mint juleps to jalapeno-spiked variations. But this cocktail brings together two of the most popular southern drinks: Mint Julep and sweet tea.
To make the Sweet Tea Mint Julep, bring 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar and 5 to 6 mint leaves to a boil. Remove from heat and add in 2 tea bags, seeping them for 5 minutes. Remove the bags and then add in 3 cups of cold water. Refrigerate until ready to serve, adding in 3/4 to 1 cup of bourbon in a glass with crushed iced. Add mint leaves and lemon to garnish.
Horse's Neck
Drinking ginger ale to quench your thrust dates back to the 1800s. Add some whisky, and you have a cocktail worthy of being called a winner.
The Horse's Neck only uses two ingredients — making it a go-to when the pre-race refills start. Add 2 oz. of whiskey or bourbon to a Collins glass with ice and fill the glass with ginger ale. Garnish with a long lemon peel to create the "neck" effect.
All of these drinks will go perfectly with your Kentucky Derby party theme, making them Triple Crown winners in our eyes. Now let's toast our favorite contenders, and make sure to keep the drinks flowing!
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Photo: Roderick Eime | Flickr
