The Kentucky Derby is an annual tradition that takes place in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. Many people know this event by the lavish women in dresses and large hats; others know it as “the run for the roses” or “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. What does this mean for us? Well, as Americans, we love a reason to celebrate with a themed event. So, local bars and restaurants offer ways for us to enjoy and have fun on this eventful day, and by a themed event we mean cocktails and friends.
There are many traditions that go along with this sporting day, but a favorite is a delicious cocktail called a Mint Julep, which consists of bourbon, mint, and sugar. Many bars and restaurants in your area, especially New York City, will put their spin on this beverage, yet many also keep it classic. Below are some fantastic recipes from popular bars and people in the USA that have turned this southern gala into a day for everyone to celebrate:
40/40 Mint Julep (Courtesy of The 40/40 Club)
1 ½ oz. Jim Beam
4-5 Mint leaf
Dash of simple syrup
Shaken on the rocks, in a rocks glass.
From the popular 40/40 club in NYC, this recipe uses Jim Beam Bourbon which is produced in Kentucky; perfect for this event!
Basil Hayden’s Triple Crown Julep (Courtesy of Joy Perrine, Louisville, KY & Basil Hayden’s)
4 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
4 chopped Strawberries
10 Kentucky Colonel or Spearmint Leaves
4 Lemon Wedges
1 part Water
2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
Muddle brown sugar and water in pint glass until sugar dissolves. Add chopped strawberries, lemon wedges and mint leaves and muddle well. Add Basil Hayden’s and shakes. Add ice and shake once again. Strain cocktail over crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig and strawberry.
Basil Hayden’s is spicy yet smooth and when combining it with the sweet strawberries, the citrus, and the brown sugar, this cocktail is a delightful spin on the traditional Mint Julep.
The Basil Julep (Courtesy of Basil Hayden’s)
2 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
1 part simple syrup
5 Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice to fill glass
Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a mixing glass. Add remaining Basil Hayden’s and ice and shake. Fill Old Fashioned glass with crushed ice and strain liquid into glass. Garnish with mint sprig.
Because Basil Hayden is smooth but slightly spicy and has a hint of citrus, it is perfect for a traditional Julep too!
Knob Creek Storyville Julep (Created by Bobby “G” Gleason, Beam Master Mixologist & Knob Creek Bourbon)
1 ½ parts Knob Creek Bourbon
½ part Thin Honey Syrup (3 parts honey, 2 parts water)
1 ½ parts Fresh Pressed Pineapple Juice
6 Fresh Mint Leaves
Club Soda
Muddle pineapple, honey syrup and mint in an Old Fashioned glass. Fill with ice, add Knob Creek Bourbon and stir top with club soda. Garnish with a pineapple clip and mint top.
When Booker Noe wanted to create real Bourbon, he made Knob Creek. You will notice that Knob Creek has some maple sugar aromas and is characteristically rich with some sweetness which is why the honey syrup combined with the fizzy club soda compliments this drink so deliciously.
Blueberry Julep (Created by Rob Floyd, LA & Basil Hayden’s)
2 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
8-10 Mint Leaves
7-8 Blueberries
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
¾ parts Simple Syrup
Muddle mint leaves and blueberries in mixing glass. Add Basil Hayden’s bourbon, lime juice and simple syrup and shake. Fine strain into a rocks glass with crest ice. Garnish with blueberries and mint sprig.
Basil Hayden’s and fruit make a great combo, just add the traditional mint and some acid from the lime juice and you have a refreshing yet simple cocktail!
Now it’s time to have some fun when watching the Kentucky Derby this weekend. If you can, try one of these delicious recipes at a local establishment, or have fun and create your own Derby party at home! Make it into a theme party with friends and you can each create a different cocktail. Always remember to drink responsibly and have fun.
