18 Cocktails to Make for the Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Mule cocktail — Kentucky Mule Image:
Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

The Kentucky Derby race itself may only last a couple of minutes, but the celebrations start hours or sometimes days in advance and end long after the last horse crosses the finish line. If you’re ready to join the party but don’t want to be stuck sipping traditional Mint Juleps all day long, we have you covered. From Julep riffs to bourbon-forward sippers and Southern-inspired cocktails, we've rounded up plenty of options. So saddle up, drink up, and enjoy a day at the races.

Mint Julep

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Let’s start with that most traditional of Derby cocktails. This stunner is an easy and refreshing drink to have in hand while watching the race. Start by lightly muddling fresh mint with simple syrup, add bourbon and crushed ice and stir until the cup is frosty. Top with more crushed ice, then garnish with a mint sprig and an optional dash of bitters for an unexpected kick.

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Brown Derby

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This cocktail’s name may be referring to a different kind of derby, but its bourbon backbone makes it perfect for the Kentucky Derby, too. The smoky spirit gets lightened up with a splash of fresh grapefruit juice, and a little bit of honey syrup helps bring out its sweeter side. Shake with ice, fine-strain, and then garnish with an expressed grapefruit peel.

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Oaks Lily

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For fans of the Oaks Derby (Kentucky’s other big race), this light and refreshing vodka drink is just the ticket. The combination of vodka, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon and cranberry juices is a light nod to the Cosmopolitan, with a pink hue that mimics stargazer lilies placed on the race’s winning filly.

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Preakness

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Different horse race, still a great cocktail. The Preakness is a twist on a classic Manhattan that’s made with the usual suspects: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. But the real twist comes from the addition of Benedictine, which adds an unexpectedly herbaceous and complex flavor to the spirit-forward drink.

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Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita

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Two cocktails come together to become one delicious mix in this fun new classic. Fresh mint brings its Julep qualities, while a few blackberries add sweetness and extra flavor. Swap in añejo tequila to add a Margarita-like element, and a little bit of lime juice and honey syrup to round it all out. Muddle, shake, then serve in a classic Julep cup with crushed ice.

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Jockey Club

Allen Katz

This close cousin of a Manhattan makes even the most casual race-viewing parties feel like they're taking place at an exclusive club. The mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur is a sophisticated spirit-forward sipper.

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Albariño Mint Julep

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Spanish white wine in a Mint Julep? Don’t knock it ’til you try it. This unusual recipe shows that albariño wine and crème de pêche are a surprisingly great combination, especially when combined with fresh mint. Of course, a Julep wouldn’t be a Julep without lots of crushed ice, so be sure to serve the mix in a Julep cup full of it.

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Horse’s Neck

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Once just a glass of nonalcoholic ginger ale, the Horse’s Neck has come a long way since its late 19th-century beginnings. Now it’s the perfect boozy drink for your Derby celebration, especially since the two-ingredient recipe is easy to whip up. Just pour bourbon, brandy, or American rye whiskey over ice and top with ginger ale and a lemon peel.

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Thin Mint Julep

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Enjoy your favorite Girl Scout cookies all year round with this take on the classic Mint Julep. The classic combination of mint, bourbon, and simple syrup forms a Julep base that’s brought to chocolate-y heights with the addition of white crème de cacao. Of course, this drink isn’t truly complete until it's topped with a Thin Mint cookie.

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Bourbon Rickey

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If you’re not a fan of mint, you can ditch the Julep and still enjoy your bourbon while watching the Derby. This riff on a Rickey is a simple and refreshing take on the classic gin drink. Simply combine bourbon and freshly squeezed lime juice, then top with sparkling water and stir briefly with ice.

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Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea

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This mellow summer sipper is a great go-to whenever you’re looking for something sweet, smooth and refreshing. Muddle fresh strawberries and lemon juice for a pop of flavor, then shake with bourbon, ice, and simple syrup until it’s well-chilled. Strain, then top with unsweetened iced tea and garnish with mint, strawberries, and blueberries.

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Gin on Gin Julep

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Gin and genever star in this Julep riff. The two spirits are close pals that meld beautifully when combined with syrup and mint, and then club soda rounds it all out. A mint sprig keeps the presentation in line with a traditional Julep, but one sip and you’ll be sure that this is no ordinary Derby cocktail.

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Miamian’s Julep

Carlos Ramos

Take your Julep to the tropics with this fun and summery spin. Your classic bourbon and mint are taken on an island getaway with coconut cream, crème de banane, and fresh lime juice. Blend it all together until chilly and creamy, then for an extra-special presentation, garnish with bourbon-flambeed banana slices.

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Man o' War

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This cocktail is named for one of the world's greatest racehorses. While he never competed in the Kentucky Derby, he won the other two legs of the Triple Crown in 1920. To honor him in liquid form, shake together bourbon, triple sec, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice, strain it into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon peel and a brandied cherry.

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Kentucky Flyer

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

The classic Aviation gets an all-American spin with this recipe honoring the Derby’s home state. Rye whiskey provides a base for Luxardo maraschino liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Shake it up with ice, strain, and garnish with brandied cherries and a mint leaf.

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Pale Horse Rickey

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Swap bourbon for mezcal in this bright, inventive Rickey variation from Eveleigh bartender China Morbosa. The smoky, earthy spirit plays with Manzanilla sherry, lemon juice, and a homemade mango-infused carbonated coconut water for tropical flair and refreshment.

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High Horse

Gina Haase

Sip a cocktail as American as Derby Day. Inspired by the story of George Washington cutting down a cherry tree, Death and Co. bartender Shannon Tebay Sidle created this Rum Manhattan riff with colonial-era ingredients: aged rum, kirsch brandy, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.

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Kentucky Mule

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

If you just can’t give up your copper mug, don’t worry: This is a Derby-friendly Mule rendition. This spin puts bourbon front and center, with just a splash of lime juice and a top of ginger beer to transform it into a refreshing cocktail to enjoy at any time of year.

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