first Saturday in May

Kentucky Derby cocktails

The Mint Julep, of course, and the bourbon drinks to pour alongside it.

  1. Mint Julep

    Old Fashioneds & Duos · Whiskey · ≈ 28% ABV · ≈ 159 cal

    The Kentucky Derby’s official drink since the late 1930s: bourbon, mint and crushed ice.

    The recipe →

  2. Whiskey Smash

    Old Fashioneds & Duos · Whiskey · ≈ 25% ABV · ≈ 172 cal

    A small, quick Mint Julep, easier for a crowd.

    The recipe →

  3. Old Fashioned

    Old Fashioneds & Duos · Whiskey · ≈ 33% ABV · ≈ 133 cal

    Bourbon, sugar and bitters.

    The recipe →

  4. Gold Rush

    Sours · Whiskey · ≈ 16% ABV · ≈ 227 cal

    Bourbon, lemon and honey over one big cube.

    The recipe →

  5. Brown Derby

    Sours · Whiskey · ≈ 14% ABV · ≈ 218 cal

    Bourbon and grapefruit with honey, named for a hat if not a race.

    The recipe →

  6. Kentucky Buck

    Highballs & Fizzes · Whiskey · ≈ 11% ABV · ≈ 222 cal

    Bourbon, strawberry and lemon topped with ginger beer.

    The recipe →

  7. Bourbon Renewal

    Sours · Whiskey · ≈ 15% ABV · ≈ 231 cal

    A bourbon sour with crème de cassis.

    The recipe →

  8. Whiskey Sour

    Sours · Whiskey · ≈ 13% ABV · ≈ 168 cal

    Bourbon, lemon and sugar, the easiest one to batch.

    The recipe →

  9. Paper Plane

    Sours · Whiskey · ≈ 14% ABV · ≈ 197 cal

    Equal parts bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol and lemon.

    The recipe →

  10. Revolver

    Old Fashioneds & Duos · Whiskey · ≈ 26% ABV · ≈ 196 cal

    Bourbon and coffee liqueur with a flamed orange peel, for after the race.

    The recipe →

Sources: NBC News: Why is the mint julep the official drink of the Kentucky Derby?

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