Are you ready for the “greatest two minutes in sports?” Saturday, May 4th marks the 145th annual running of the Kentucky Derby.
If you’re lucky enough to attend the race, be sure to grab a Mint Julep, the traditional Derby drink.
And for those of you watching from home, we’ve got you covered. Here are four Kentucky Derby cocktails that will take you to the winner’s circle.
Mint Julep
Of course, we’re coming out of the gate with the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail. Recreate an authentic Mint Julep with this recipe.
Ingredients
Directions
Brown Derby
Kentucky is famous for its bourbon. If juleps are too minty for your taste, the Brown Derby is another delicious bourbon cocktail.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Moonshine Pomelo
The Moonshine Pomelo is a fruity drink that packs a punch. You won’t find any bourbon here, but between the fresh flavors and the moonshine, it still makes our list of Kentucky Derby cocktails.
Ingredients
0.5 oz simple syrup
1.5 oz moonshine
1 dash grapefruit bitters
3.5 oz ruby red grapefruit juice
Slice of fresh pomelo, for garnish
Directions
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a Mason jar filled with ice and garnish with a slice of pomelo.
Oaks Lily
We’ll round out our list with the second most popular cocktail at Churchill Downs- the Oaks Lily. This sweet and sour concoction is both easy to make and fun to drink.
Ingredients
1.25 oz vodka
1 oz sweet and sour mix
0.25 oz triple sec
3 oz cranberry juice
Lemon slice, for garnish
Blackberries, for garnish
Directions
Fill a stemless wine glass with ice. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and blackberries.
So there you have it, a superfecta of delicious Kentucky Derby cocktails. Be sure to enjoy one (or a few) of these while you’re cheering on the race!