Derby Cocktail
Sound the bugle and grab your nicest hat, the Kentucky Derby is tomorrow. That means Churchill Downs will be swarming with people cheering on their favorite steed and enjoying a bourbon-based cocktail. While the Mint Julep is most definitely the cocktail of choice, there are plenty of other options out there. Actually there’s really only one rule to drinking while enjoying the Derby: you must drink bourbon. Okay, I don’t know if it’s an official rule, but if it isn’t it should be. I mean, you’re visiting Kentucky, enjoying the sport of kings, and most bourbon is brewed in Kentucky. So, isn’t it a sin to drink anything other than bourbon while visiting the Bluegrass State? I think so.
But back to appropriate Derby cocktails. Yes, there’s the Mint Julep which is a delicious and classic choice. But if you’re not in the mood for something sweet, there’s also this classic which was named after the race itself. Unlike the Julep, the Derby doesn’t have one ounce of simple syrup in it. Instead it’s heavy on the citrus thanks to a healthy dose of lime juice and Orange Curaçao. So, what you get is a sour cocktail that’s perfect for a warm day on the track.
Although I’m unsure when the cocktail heralds from, I can tell you that the race itself is about to celebrate its 140th birthday, which means horses have been galloping around Churchill Downs since 1874. Since this cocktail was named after the race, I think it’s fair to say this drink has been around for a long time.
If you’re anything like me, you won’t be attending the race tomorrow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drink like you are. So grab your favorite Kentucky bourbon (I prefer Woodford) and mix yourself up this classic. It’s a nice change of pace from the Julep, but you’ll still fit in because you’re drinking Kentucky’s favorite alcohol – bourbon.
Derby Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. bourbon
- 3/4 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. Orange Curaçao
- 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
Directions:
- Pour all the ingredients in a cocktails shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for about a minute. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a wedge of lime.
