Originating in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is one of the longest running sporting events in America. This Saturday will mark the 147th running of the Derby, with twenty 3-year-old horses, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Although the vast majority of us will be watching from home, we can still celebrate in style. The traditional drink of the Derby is the Mint Julep but check out these other festive and refreshing cocktails to enjoy while you root for your favored horse… and don’t forget your hat!
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
Ingredients:
Mint leaves
Bourbon
1 tsp. sugar
Preparation:
Muddle mint leaves (amount based on your preference) in the bottom of a pewter cup. Add ice, sugar and bourbon. Garnish with mint.
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients:
3 ounces lemonade
1 1/2 ounces vodka
4 fresh or frozen strawberries
Preparation:
Muddle strawberries in a high-ball glass. Add ice, vodka, and lemonade. Garnish with a strawberry.
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces of gin
1 1/2 ounces of watermelon juice
3 slices of cucumber
1/2 ounce of simple syrup
1 1/2 ounces of soda water
1 fresh lime
Preparation:
Muddle cucumbers in a shaker. Add the gin, watermelon juice, simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Pour into a high ball glass and top with soda water and ice. Garnish with cucumber.
Fresh Margarita
Ingredients:
2 ounces of tequila
1 ounce of Cointreau
2 limes
Salt (course)
Preparation:
Add tequila, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime to a shaker. Add ice and shake well. Rub the rim of a margarita glass with lime and dip in salt. Pour mixture into the glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Raspberry Strawberry Daiquiri
Ingredients:
2 ounces of light rum
2 large fresh or frozen strawberries
4-6 fresh or frozen raspberries
1 lime
1 ounce simple syrup
Preparation:
In a blender, combine the rum, syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, strawberries, and raspberries. Add ice and blend well. Pour into a daiquiri glass and garnish with a raspberry and strawberry.
Happy Derby from Mystical Living!
