The Kentucky Derby is this weekend — Saturday, May 1 — and though the Mint Julep is the traditional drink for the seersucker and oversized hat crowd, other cocktails are perfect for the day. Add these to your menu for those guests camping out to catch the most exciting two minutes in sports, or those just looking to enjoy a good cocktail on a spring day.
The 56 Julep
Created by Jimmy Russell, master distiller at Wild Turkey.
2 ½ ounces Wild Turkey 101
3 sprigs of mint (six to eight mature-sized leaves)
1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
½ cup crushed ice
In a traditional silver julep cup or double Old Fashioned glass, muddle two sprigs of mint with the brown sugar and one ounce of Wild Turkey 101 for a few minutes, crushing the mint leaves with a spoon. Add the crushed ice, the remaining bourbon, and garnish with sprig of mint.
Run for the Roses
Courtesy of Grey Goose.
3 parts Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka
2 parts peach brandy
2 parts southern sweet iced tea*
2 parts fresh lime juice
2 rose petals for garnish
Chambord for floating
Makes two 4 ½ ounce drinks.
Add first four ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into two rocks glasses filled with crushed ice; pour Chambord so it floats on the top of the drink. Garnish drink with rose petals.
*Southern Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Use five tea bags for one quart of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and add 1 cup of sugar while tea bags are steeping. Stir to dissolve. Place in refrigerator to cool.
Kentucky Peach
The following recipes are courtesy of Monin Gourmet Flavorings.
1 ounce Monin Peach Fruit Purée
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
2 dashes bitters
Ice
Combine ingredients in shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled serving glass and garnish with a peach slice.
Tangerine Julep
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce Monin Tangerine Syrup
5 mint leaves
crushed ice
Muddle Monin Tangerine Syrup and mint leaves in bottom of glass. Pack glass with crushed ice. Add bourbon and stir with bar spoon. Add any needed crushed ice. Garnish with a tangerine slice and a mint sprig.