The Kentucky Derby is a bit different this year–like everything else–and there won’t be any fans in the stands. And while that will mean a serious lack of big hats, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the opportunity to fully enjoy the event. Woodford Reserve is the sponsor for the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby and it’s the perfect Bourbon for mixing up some cocktails for yourself, friends, and/or family.
Six essential Kentucky Derby cocktails that are all made with Woodford Reserve:
Mint Julep
- 2 oz Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Crushed Ice
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with more ice, fresh mint, and powdered sugar.
Hot Out Of The Gate
- 1 ounce Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce Muddle & Wilde Sumac-Chili-Lime syrup
- Mint leaf for garnish
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Woodford Reserve Bourbon, lime, sweet vermouth, and Muddle & Wilde Sumac-Chili-Lime syrup and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime wedge or mint leaf.
Woodford Spire
- 1.5 oz. Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 oz. Lemonade
- 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
Add ingredients to mixing glass and stir. Pour over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Sole Volante
- 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 1 oz Manzanilla Sherry (Lustau)
- 0.5 oz Muddle & Wilde Sage – Lemon syrup
- Juice of half a lime
Add ingredients to mixing glass and stir. Strain and pour over ice.
The Final Stretch
- 1 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 0.5 oz Pratt Standard Earl Grey Vanilla syrup
- 0.5 oz Sagardoz Goxoa Liqueur
- 0.5 oz Manzanilla Sherry (Lustau)
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Pratt Standard Earl Grey Vanilla syrup, Sagardoz Goxoa Liqueur, and Manzanilla Sherry (Lustau) and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Woodford Spire Mocktail
- 2 Parts Lemonade
- 2 Parts Unsweetened Iced Tea
- 1 Part Cranberry Juice
Add ingredients to mixing glass and stir. Pour over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.