Kentucky Derby Traditional Cocktails Recipes: Mint Julep & Kentucky Oaks Lilly

How To Get In The Derby Mood With These Drinks

From Jack Tingley, Louisville Native – Special To PubClub.com

Derby Week is a revered time in Louisville, Kentucky.  And part of its traditions can be experienced elsewhere and anytime. Tho these traditional cocktails are best enjoyed during the Kentucky Derby, which is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May. One cocktail contains not bourbon, but vodka.

This article also contains a list of best-valuable bourbons from Louisville native and Kentucky Derby veteran Jack Tingley.

Mint Julep:  The Traditional Derby Day Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2.5 OZ. Straight Kentucky Bourbon
• 1/2 OZ. Simple Syrup (boil sugar and water together until clear)
• 3 Fresh Mint Leaves.  Crushed Ice is a must cubes do not work.

Instructions

Muddle the mint and simple syrup together with the tip of the handle of a wooden spoon or muddler in a julep cup or Tom Collins glass. To the same glass add bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.  Add a straw.

Kentucky Oaks Lilly

Ingredients

• 1 part Vodka
• 1 part Sweet and Sour Mix
• 1/4 part Triple Sec
• 3 parts Cranberry Juice

Instructions

Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice.  Add in the ingredients and stir. Add a straw and garnish with blackberries and a lemon wedge.

A Kentucky Derby Veteran’s Favorite Value Bourbons And Ryes

Knob Creek – $25

Evan Williams Single Barrel – $28

Woodford Reserve – $28

Wild Turkey 101 – $24

Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond – $25

Old Forester Rye 100 proof – $23

Elijah Craig Small Batch – $20

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond – $15

Maker’s Mark 46 – $28

Four Roses Small Batch – $30

James Pepper Rye 100 proof – $30

Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof – $25