Beyond Mint Juleps: Cocktail Recipes For The Kentucky Derby

Are you all about horse racing and throwing epic homegate parties? Do you count down the days until the Kentucky Derby hits each year? Well, guess what? It’s usually held on the first Saturday in May, so it’ll be here before you know it. And if you’re a fan of the Derby, you’re probably all about the awesome vibes that come with it, including the delicious food and Kentucky Derby cocktails.

Sure, some folks are pumped about hitting up the event in person, but let’s be real—most of us are chilling at home, tuning in to watch the races. But hey, that just means no bathroom lines and total freedom to throw your homegate party exactly how you want it!

Just because you won’t be attending in person doesn’t mean you should avoid wearing a fantastic outfit and hat. The Kentucky Derby is the place to showcase the best of the spring collections and for you to show off your inner Southern Belle. So remind your guests to dress up and get ready to have an amazing experience watching the races from home. But the first thing you must do is, plan out your drink menu. We have the cocktail recipes that will make your horse race homegate a success.

Mint Juleps are the bread and butter of cocktails at the Kentucky Derby. Everybody wants them because they are easy to make and are delicious. However, Mint Juleps aren’t what we’re focusing on today.

There are so many great cocktail options beyond the classic Mint Julep to try out such as the Brown Derby, Green Derby, and Jockey Club. If that sounds like a plan, you aren’t going to want to miss this. So, please, stick around and read on to learn more. You’ll be glad you did when the Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes arrive.

Try These Kentucky Derby Cocktails for Your Homegating Party

1. Brown Derby

Despite what some horse racing fans might believe because of this bourbon cocktail’s name, the Brown Derby is not named after the Kentucky Derby. FYI, it got its title from the Brown Derby hat-shaped Los Angeles diner. This homegating party drink is also sometimes called the De Rigueur Cocktail. The recipe shouldn’t give you any problems. It only contains three ingredients.

2. The Green Derby

The Green Derby is a perfect homegating party drink. It is similar to a Brown Derby but combines grapefruit juice and Tincup whiskey. The cocktail tastes delicious, goes down smooth, and has a delightful appearance. You can drink this option alone or make and consume them with friends at a small gathering. What do you need to make a Green Derby? We are glad you asked.

3. The Jockey Club

Those that find a Manhattan too bitter might appreciate the Jockey Club. This cocktail is a close cousin to that recipe with dashes of orange and Angostura aromatic bitters, but it’s sweeter thanks to the maraschino liqueur. This homegating party beverage is yummy and pretty. Not to mention, it will give you and your friends buzzes.

4. The Horse’s Neck

In the 19th century, a horse’s neck was nothing more than a tall and refreshing non-alcoholic ginger ale. The recipe changed over the years, though, and now contains a jigger of rye or bourbon. You only need three ingredients to make this cocktail and a lemon twist to garnish it. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

5. Southern Sweet Tea Jam

A delightful glass of sweet tea in the spring/summer is satisfying. However, you can give the beverage a twist for your party and transform it into a Southern Sweet Tea Jam cocktail. With a blend of sweet tea vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and strawberry jam, it will quench your thirst and delight your taste buds. Now that’s a win-win.

6. The Black-Eyed Susan

Did you know that the blanket used to drape the winning horse following the Preakness Stakes has Black-eyed Susans in it? Well, it does, and those flowers are what inspired this cocktail’s name. Before beginning this recipe, it is good to know that the recipe makes two 12-ounce glasses. Mix vodka, rum, juices, and orange liqueur such as triple sec, and pour over crushed ice for a refreshing Kentucky Derby cocktail.

7. Hats Off Julep

If you are craving something a little minty, then we have the perfect drink for your julep cup. This is a twist on the classic Southern Mint Julep cocktail. Muddle blackberries and fresh mint leaves together for the perfect Kentucky Derby cocktail (but a crowd pleaser at any event)! Garnish with an extra sprig of mint and some speared blackberries for a party ready finishing touch.

8. Kentucky Mule

If you go to any event or restaurant there will definitely be a Moscow Mule on the menu—a popular classic cocktail which combines vodka, ginger beer, and lime. But if you want to switch this up so it fits the theme of the Kentucky Derby, then you just need to switch some of the ingredients. Turn your Moscow Mule into a Kentucky Mule! All you need is 4 simple ingredients and copper mugs.

9. Woodford Spire

Are you looking for something a bit lighter for the spring event? Then this cocktail is the one for you! With a mix of cranberry juice and lemonade, this Derby drink is a little bit of sweet and a little bit of sour all mixed with an amazing Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey. It will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

It’s time for tailgating at the horse track! And if you can’t make it to Louisville for the big event, you can still WOW your guests at your homegating party. Use these recipes on Derby day, and let the fun begin. Go ahead, live a little, get your drink on, and enjoy the “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”