Derby Day Delights: Bourbon, Juleps, and More! 🏇🥃

Celebrate Derby Day with classic Mint Juleps, a bourbon cocktail roundup, a modern twist on your favorite Julep, and a spicy ginger hack!

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Sip & Synopsis - This Weeks Inspiration

  • Derby Day Delights
  • Drink of the week: The Mint Julep
  • Bourbon Cocktail Roundup
  • Modern twist on the Mint Julep
  • Hack of the week: Add some ginger

Derby Day Delights 🏇

Gear up for Derby Day (May 4th) with a toast to tradition and a nod to innovation! As the thoroughbreds prepare to thunder down the track, we’re stirring up a storm of classic and contemporary bourbon delights. From the iconic Mint Julep to unique bourbon concoctions, this weeks newsletter is your ticket to celebrating the Kentucky Derby in spirited style.

Trivia Question❓

Who won the first-ever Kentucky Derby in 1875, and what was his winning time?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

Saddle up for the unforgettable Kentucky Derby, the "America's Greatest Race" steeped in history and high spirits since 1875. From legendary champions like Secretariat to recent surprises with Rich Strike and Mage, the Derby is a cocktail of excitement and tradition. Sip on the iconic Mint Julep as you soak in the vibrant fashion and timeless allure of the Derby. 

The enduring appeal of the Mint Julep is tied to its embodiment of Southern elegance and tradition. It symbolizes the grace and gentility of the Old South, evoking images of wide porches, sweeping fields, and leisurely afternoons. It also represents a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of distilling, the art of cocktail mixing, and the bounty of the local landscape.

Bourbon Cocktail Roundup 🥃

  • Bourbon Smash: Muddle lemon wedges and mint with simple syrup, add bourbon, and shake with ice. Serve over crushed ice for a refreshing twist.
  • Bourbon Old Fashioned: Stir 2 oz bourbon with a sugar cube, bitters, and a splash of water until sugar dissolves. Serve over ice, garnished with an orange slice and cherry.
  • Bourbon and Honey: Combine bourbon with honey syrup, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and serve over ice for a sweet and smooth finish.


Want to do the Kentuky Bourbon Trail? Check this out!

Blackberry Bourbon Julep 

Ingredients:

  • Fresh Mint
  • Blackberries
  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 1/2 oz Blackberry Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
  • Crushed Ice

Directions:

  • In a julep cup, muddle blackberries, mint, and simple syrup
  • Pour in bourbon and blackberry liqueur
  • Top with crushed ice
  • Stir until the cup is chilled
  • Add extra blackberries and a sprig of mint on top.

Bar Hack of the Week

One secret hack for a mint julep is to add a dash of ginger ale for a unique twist on the classic recipe. It adds a subtle sweetness and effervescence that really enhances the drink.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The first Kentucky Derby on May 17,1875 was won by a horse named Aristides who ran the then-1 1/2-mile race in 2:37 3/4, a world-record time for a 3-year-old. Oliver Lewis was the jockey who rode the colt.

As the excitement for the Kentucky Derby mounts, embrace the spirit with our curated selection of bourbon cocktails. So, raise a glass to fast horses and fine drinks—may your Derby Day be as smooth and spirited as your favorite bourbon!


~ Andrea