Kentucky Derby time is here and our friend Whiskey Pete, Pete Wagner, with Brown-Forman stopped in Mix Studio Bar to talk about the official drinks of the Derby on Mixology. After two years of waiting due to the pandemic, the Kentucky Derby will be back in full swing this year on Saturday, May 7. For such a momentous occasion, Pete teaches you how to make each drink so you can impress your friends at your Derby party! You can’t have the Derby without the traditional “Mint Julep” made featuring Old Forester, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves. For those that aren’t fans of mint, you can sip on the “Woodford Spire” – named for the twin spires atop Churchill Downs – featuring Woodford Reserve, fresh lemonade, and cranberry juice. And for those who don’t like bourbon, you can enjoy the Oaks Lily made with Finlandia Vodka, sweet and sour mix, and cranberry juice.
Fun Facts:
- The Oaks Lily is the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the day before the Derby featuring filly races.
- Ice was a symbol of status in the early days of the Kentucky Derby. Overfilling the official Derby drinks with ice meant you had money. Today, the Derby drinks continue to be served filled with ice as a tradition.
- Smacking the mint leaves brings out the oils and essence of the flavor better than muddling it in the glass.
Watch the videos and get the recipes below for each drink. Please enjoy responsibly.
Mint Julep
- 2oz Old Forester
- .75oz simple syrup
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 3 mint sprigs for garnish
- crushed ice
Woodford Spire
- 1.5oz Woodford Reserve
- 2oz lemonade
- 1oz Cranberry juice
- lemon twist garnish
- crushed ice
Oaks Lily
- 1.25oz Finlandia Vodka
- 1oz sweet and sour mix
- .25oz Triple Sec
- 3oz Cranberry Juice
- crushed ice