As always our party tips are all about making our guests feel at ease. And I think a lot of that means giving them options, and taking note of their preferences! Not just for what to eat, but what to drink as well. If they aren’t a fan of Mint Juleps, have options on hand for The Woodford Spire or the Blackberry Bourbon smash. Chances are they’ll find one they love! There’s also a cocktail option for The Woodford Spire that I’ll share below.
The Woodford Spire
1.5 OZ. Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Woodford Reserve
2 OZ. Lemonade
1 OZ. Cranberry Juice
To make:
- Add ingredients to mixing glass and stir.
- Pour over crushed ice
- Top with a lemon twist
- to make it a Mocktail omit the Bourbon and add in unsweetened iced tea
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients:
- 4 blackberries or 5-6 if small
- 6 mint leaves
- ½ oz lemon juice 15ml
- ½ oz simple syrup 15ml
- 2 oz bourbon 60ml
- 1 oz soda water 30ml
to make:
-
Put the blackberries, mint leaves, lemon juice and simple syrup (or muddle up sugar cubes!) in a cocktail shaker and muddle to break up the berries and bruise the mint leaves.
-
Add a couple pieces of ice and the bourbon then shake, shake, shake to mix it all up.
-
Strain the mixture into a a glass with crushed ice
- top with a blackberry and mint, and maybe even a garnish of lemon
The Traditional Derby Day cocktail: The Mint Julep
What you’ll need to make the perfect Mint Julep:
2 OZ.Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Woodford Reserve
1/2 OZ. Woodford Reserve® Mint Julep Cocktail Syrup
3 Fresh Mint Leaves
Crushed ice
Instructions:
- Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass.
- To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice
- Garnish with even more ice, fresh mint, and a sprinkle with powdered sugar
We think an at home Derby Party is a fantastic way to get together, celebrate, cheer on your horse, and enjoy a beautiful spring afternoon with those you love! Be sure to have deviled eggs, fried chicken, and biscuits with Pimento cheese on your spread.
Cannot wait for Saturday May 7th to watch the big race!
