Could we ever really replace the Mint Julep as the time-honored, most popular drink of the Kentucky Derby? I would never, ever suggest we replace the Mint Julep–just add to the selection. More variety and choices just cannot be a bad thing!

I’ve shared many times about the traditional icy, minty, refreshing Mint Julep and it’s history.  But this year, I’m thinking of adding a curious twist to my Classic Mint Julep Bar.  Of course, I will have the basics on hand: good bourbon (Woodford Reserve is what they use at Churchill Downs,) plenty of fresh mint (and fresh is the only way to go here–trust me,) some simple syrup (made up anytime before and stored in large containers to ensure there is plenty available,) and last but not least a lot of crushed ice (the more crushed, the better.) 

Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating ditching the Classic Mint Julep. That would be sacrilegious. What if you added in our Bourbon Blueberry Jam  (a tablespoon), 2 large basil leaves, powdered sugar and 1 dash of orange bitters.  Muddle the bourbon, jam, and basil leaves in the bottom of the glass, top with a lot of crushed ice and a dusting of powdered sugar, add a dash of bitters, garnish with a basil spring. Mint would also work in a Blueberry Julep. I think our Strawberry Jalapeno Jam would also work well, garnished with a fresh strawberry and mint. 

There are dozens and dozens of julep recipes out there…  bourbon peach mint julep, prosecco mint julep, gin mint julep, blackberry mint julep, chocolate mint julep featuring Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies and chocolate bitters, cranberry mint julep, pomegranate mint julep, sweet tea mint julep, fresh watermelon mint julep, and the list goes on. It is truly as limitless as your imagination takes you

Not in the mood for bourbon or mint?  There are several other horse racing drinks that will hit the spot.  Several years ago, Churchill Downs came up with another signature cocktail.  This one is to honor the Kentucky Oaks–the big race held on the Friday before Derby Day.  The Oaks is a competition like no other–it’s only for three-year-old fillies, the lady horses.  Each year, Churchill Downs is full of shades of pink to increase breast cancer awareness, and the rose-colored Kentucky Oaks Lily Drink just extends the “think pink” theme.  I have the classic Lily recipe, which features cranberry juice, vodka, lime juice, triple sec, and plenty of crushed ice.  Rather than a spring of mint, The Lily is garnished with a lime wedge.  It’s festive, fun, and oh so refreshing. 

The Kentucky Derby is the first and most famous leg of the Triple Crown–the three races are held a couple of weeks apart in May and early June for three-year-old thoroughbreds.  The first winner of the Triple Crown was Sir Barton in 1919 but the “triple crown” was not officially used until much later when The Daily Racing Form put in into common usage. Thirteen horses have won the illustrious title of Triple Crown Winner with the last being Justified in 1918. The legendary Secretariat holds the stakes record time for each of the three races and his world record still stands.

 So just as the Kentucky Derby has its signature cocktail so do the others. 

The Preakness Stakes, which is the second jewel in the Triple Crown, is on the third Saturday in May in Maryland and is called “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” because that is the official flower of that horse race and Maryland’s state flower.  It’s also the name of its signature cocktail.  The Black-Eyed Susan was created in 1973 and while the name has remained the same, the recipe has varied.  Traditionally, it’s a refreshing cocktail served in a tall glass and is made with bourbon, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix and garnished with an orange and a cherry.  They are delightful and so easy to make. 

The Belmont Stakes is the last race of the Triple Crown and is staged in New York. It’s the longest of the three races and is only for those thoroughbreds with stamina.  One might say the same for those who partake in all the Triple Crown cocktails.  The Belmont Jewel is simple, refreshing, and the perfect recipe to transform into a punch or serve by the pitcher.  It’s the perfect choice for this June race. Just like the other two racing beverages, the Belmont Jewel is made of bourbon but adds a twist of lemonade and pomegranate juice. It is typically garnished with a lemon wedge or wheel.  With just three ingredients, it may be the easiest of the three.

For your own Derby Party, you can set up a bar of ingredients and maybe a recipe card or two and let the guests mix up the cocktail of their choice.  Set out a floral arrangement in a julep cup or crystal vase, some festive horse-themed cocktail stirs, a stack of “talk derby to me” party napkins, a few bowls of snacks such as cheese straws or mixed nuts, and you have a simple but elegant party bar.  How easy is that?

I cannot wait for the Big Day…it’s coming up soon, and I have to finalize my plans.  I won’t be at the track this year but I know I will be having a Mint Julep or a variety of one somewhere with some good friends.  We will snack on some delicious appetizers, maybe place a bet or two online, and wait for the most exciting two minutes of sports all year.