Spring Cocktails for Derby Day

The 147th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for today, May 1, in Louisville, Kentucky, so there’s no time like the present to celebrate with a triple crown of bourbon cocktails! 

Mint Julep

2.5 oz Old Forester Bourbon
0.5 oz simple syrup (50:50 water and sugar)
2-3 mint sprigs

Muddle the mint and simple syrup in the bottom of the glass. Fill the glass with ice. Add whiskey. Pack more crushed ice on top and garnish with a bouquet of mint.

Kentucky Cooler 

1.5 oz Amador Bourbon
2 oz peach nectar
1 oz unsweetened iced tea
1 dash of Bitter Truth Aromatic bitters
1 mint leaf, for garnish

Combine the bourbon, nectar, iced tea and bitters in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, for about 30 seconds. Strain into a fresh cocktail glass over ice and garnish as desired. 

Brown Derby

1.5 oz Michter’s Bourbon
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
0.5 oz honey syrup
Grapefruit twist, for garnish

Mix the bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish as desired.