Image via Complex Original
Watching horses barrel down the track is a good time. But really, what is the Kentucky Derby without a mint julep in hand?
If you're unconvinced of the merits of drinking during the races, know that derby-drinking is dominated by bourbon—sold yet? Here are 10 Awesome Derby-Inspired Libations that will get you in the mood for placing bets, whether you're track-side, or just shouting at your television.
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Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita
Ingredients:
2 parts Milagro Anejo Tequila
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
1 part Honey Syrup (1:1 honey/hot water)
5 Blackberries 6 Mint Leaves
Method: In a shaker, muddle berries and mint. Add rest of the ingredients and ice. Shake vigorously and strain over crushed ice in a julep cup. Garnish with blackberries and a sprig of mint.
The Bitter Secretariat
Ingredients:
4 Mint Leaves (torn)
1.5 oz Michter's Bourbon
.25 oz Fernet Branca
2 oz Thomaso's Sour
Ginger Beer
Method: Muddle mint in glass. Add bourbon, Fernet, sour mix and ice. Stir, and then strain into a highball filled with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer. [Courtesy of Beauty & Essex]
Flag Officer Julep
Ingredients:
.75 oz. Nardini Aquavit
.25 oz. Chamomile Syrup
2 oz. Champagne
Mint, for garnish
Julep Tin
Method: Slap a handful of mint and rub the circumference of the tin with it. Add ingredients and swizzle or stir until the tin is frosted. Pack tight with crushed or cracked ice. Garnish generously with mint. [Courtesy of Head Bartender Maxwell Britten, Maison Premiere]
The Goldencents
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Karlsson's Gold Vodka
.75 oz Esprit de June
.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
.5 oz Simple syrup
1 Lemon Twist
Method: Combine all liquid ingredients in a highball or Collins glass with ice. Stir lightly and garnish with a lemon twist making sure to release all the essential oils out of the twist. Also make sure to rub the entire rim of the glass with the twist before dropping it into the cocktail.
Revolutionary's Julep
Ingredients:
1 part Jim Beam White
.5 part Simple Syrup
Muddled mint
Method: Fill the glass with crushed ice. Garnish the glass with sprigs of mint.
Jacob's Triple Crown
Ingredients:
1 part Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey
Mint leaves
1/4 part Lemon juice
Molasses to taste
Pinch of cane sugar
Method: In a collins glass, dissolve the sugar in a splash of water. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey. Stir in all remaining contents until the glass becomes frosty, adding more ice if necessary. (Don't hold the glass in your hand while stirring.) Garnish the glass with sprigs of mint.
Dewar's Rob Roy
Ingredients:
3/4 parts Martini vermouth
2.5 parts Dewar's 18 Scotch Whisky
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 maraschino cherry 1 twist orange peel
Method: Combine all ingredients together in a large cocktail shaker, stir and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Jamaican Julep
Ingredients:
1.75 oz. Appleton 12 Jamaican Rum
.75 Cynar
.25 Cane Syrup
2 Dashes Angostura bitters
Handful Mint
Method: Add all ingredients to a glass, lightly muddle, add crushed ice and stir. Top with overflowing crushed ice and garnish wtih a large mint sprig. [Courtesy of The Third Man]
Southside Cocktail
Ingredients:
Pint glass 1/3 filled with loose mint leaves
2 oz. Aviation Gin
3/4 oz. freshly pressed lemon juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup
Method: In a pint glass, muddle the mint leaves. Add spirits and mixers. Fill with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
The Tullamore Dewlep
Ingredients:
1.5 parts Tullamore D.E.W.
0.5 parts White Vanilla Sugar Syrup
Dash Peach Bitters
12 Mint Leaves
Method: Pour all ingredients into cup. Gently muddle mint. Fill with crushed ice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a sprig of mint and straw.
