Kentucky Derby Day: Refreshing mint julep & cocktail recipes for Derby Day

Get out your fancy hat and grab the mint julep glass - one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year is here! It’s Kentucky Derby time, said to be the “greatest two minutes in sports!” Traditionally observed on the first Saturday in May. Each year, folks from all over the country put on their fanciest hat and head on over to Churchill Downs, the “Home of the Kentucky Derby” to watch the horses run for the roses.

Mint Juleps

For nearly a century, the official Derby drink is the deliciously refreshing Mint Julep. Whether you are there in person or in “spirit,” why not enjoy the annual event with one or two of the delicious cocktail recipes?

Ole Smoky Moonshine Mint Julep

You can drink this cocktail “on the rocks or straight from the jar!” According to an email, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine received the 2013 Impact Hot Brand Award.

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh mint leaves

• 1 oz. simple syrup

• Crushed ice

• 2 oz. Ole Smoky Moonshine® White Lightnin’

• 1 fresh mint sprig

• Lime Garnish

Preparation:

1. Place mint leaves and simple syrup in a highball glass.

2. Muddle mint leaves with syrup.

3. Add ice; pour moonshine over ice.

4. Garnish with lime and mint sprig.

Spring Reviver Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Rhubarb Tea

• 1 oz. Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur

• 1 oz. Lillet Rosé

• .75 oz. fresh lemon juice

• 3 dashes Absinthe

• Strawberry slice and mint sprig or edible flower

Preparation:

1. Shake ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.

2. Garnish with strawberry slice, mint sprig or an edible flower.

Ole Smoky Moonshine Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Ole Smoky Original Moonshine

• 1 part lime juice

• 1 part simple syrup

• 1 part triple sec, fresh lime juice

Preparation:

1. Combine salt and sugar with zest of lime for rim of glass.

2. Enjoy!

And speaking of juleps - National Mint Julep Day is coming up! And as always, please drink responsibly.

#KentuckyDerby