3 Kentucky Derby Cocktails: #winning

Last Updated on 04/28/2021 by Inside Tailgating

From our friends at A History Of Drinking comes this nugget:

Kentucky Derby Cocktails. Now normally, this means throwing back the ubiquitous Mint Julep, and by all means if that is what you aim to do, more power to you! If you want knock one together at home you can use the “official” Kentucky Derby recipe, which Cheri Loughlin , “The Intoxicologist” covers here.

So other than the Mint Julep, what other horse racing themed or Derby cocktails could you serve? Well, we have a quite a few to put forth for your perusal: The many, seemingly unrelated, versions of The “Derby” cocktails:

THE DERBY COCKTAIL #1

recipe adapted from Patrick Gavin Duffy’s The Official Mixers Manual

• 1 1/2 oz Dry Gin
• 2 dashes Peach Bitters

Glass: Cocktail

Garnish: 2 sprigs fresh mint

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish.

THE DERBY COCKTAIL #2

recipe amalgamated from Trader Vic’s Bartender Guide 1947 and Patrick Gavin Duffy’s Official Mixer’s Manual. It is nearly identical to the “Oriental” Cocktail

• 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
• 1/2 oz White Curacao
• 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Glass: Cocktail

Garnish: Mint leaf

Shake with ice and strain into a derby cocktails glass. Garnish.

DERBY COCKTAIL #3

Recipe adapted from Trader Vic’s Bartender’s Guide, 1947

• 1 oz Brandy
• 2 dashes Curacao
• 2 dashes Pineapple Syrup
• 1 dashes Orange bitters

Glass: Cocktail

Garnish: None

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled derby cocktails glass.