Kentucky Derby Drinks: Enjoy The Party In 2020 Style!
By Becky Ellis
Win, place or show, Kentucky Derby drinks are ready to be served.
The date of the Kentucky Derby may have changed to September 5 in 2020, but we will continue the tradition of celebrating in style with fancy Kentucky Derby drinks!
The official Derby drink is the Mint Julep made with Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and crushed ice. 120,000 of these icy minty drinks are served at Churchill Downs on race day! If you can’t make it to the actual Derby this year, never fear, Woodford provides DIY instructions to make Mint Juleps at home.
We love our Mint Juleps, but there’s a new cocktail in town – the Woodford Spire, made with bourbon, lemonade and cranberry. Served in the Mint Julep style over ice, It’s been served at Churchill Downs racetrack for three years now. Doesn’t that sound like a fabulously refreshing drink to sip during the “greatest two minutes in sports”?
There are many variations on the iconic cocktail. From mocktails to various simple syrups, you could have a cocktail for every race leading up to the Run for the Roses.
Serve your julep or spire in a souvenir Kentucky Derby glass, the same glass as they serve drinks in at Churchill Downs. Of course, you can always serve your drinks in traditional silver or pewter julep cups. The Derby has a $1,000 Mint Julep Program – this year they are honoring Diane Crump the first woman jockey to race in the Derby.
If vodka is your drink of choice, you will want to celebrate with Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz. It combines refreshing lime with ST-GERMAIN® Elderflower Liqueur, Grey Goose Vodka and chilled soda water. If gin is more your style, make Kentucky Derby Lemonade Punch. You’ll love the fresh flavors of lemon, cucumber and strawberry that compliment the gin perfectly.
When your favorite horse wins the race, you will want to have a victory toast with a Seelbach Cocktail. Created by the bar manager at Old Seelbach Bar in Louisville, Kentucky. A blend of bourbon, orange liqueur, bitters and sparkling wine. If you love Manhattans and Champagne Cocktails, you will love this drink!
Related Story. Best bourbons under $35. light
How will you celebrate the 146th Run For The Roses? Are you ready to try a new Derby Day Drink?