Whether you're dressed to the nines with a hat to match or just gathering friends around the TV, the right Kentucky Derby cocktails are what truly set the mood. From the iconic Mint Julep to fruity, crowd-pleasing twists, these drinks are as festive as the race itself, and just as exciting to watch come together.
You'll love these winning Kentucky Derby cocktails
Whether you're a bourbon lover or prefer something a little lighter and fruity, there's a Derby drink on this list for everyone at your party. Best of all, most of these cocktails can be batched in advance, so you can spend the day enjoying the festivities instead of playing bartender all afternoon.
Kentucky Derby Cocktails
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race, t's a two-minute spectacle surrounded by an entire day of style, tradition, and celebration. And no Derby party is complete without a glass in hand. Here are some Kentucky Derby cocktails for you to make this year
If you are hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year, you need this mint julep pitcher recipe in your life. This big batch mint julep recipe lets you mix everything ahead of time, stick it in the fridge, and actually enjoy the race with your guests. That is a win.
If you're gearing up for Derby weekend and you are not a bourbon person, this Oaks Lily drink recipe is exactly what you need. While the mint julep gets all the attention on Derby Day, the Oaks Lily is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks, the race held the Friday before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
This pineapple bourbon lemonade is such an easy 3-ingredient summer cocktail! It’s refreshing, and I love how the pineapple and lemonade pair with the bourbon.
This peach bourbon smash is such a refreshing summer cocktail recipe! Plus, it is so easy to make homemade peach tea, and this makes for the perfect cocktail recipe for your backyard cookout.
A Blackberry Basil Bourbon Smash is going to take your cocktail hour to the next level of deliciousness. The blackberries are the ideal pairing for basil!
The Oaks Lily cocktail is the Mint Julep’s official drinking competition. Make this drink to celebrate the Derby, the Kentucky Oaks or any day really.
Attention, all bourbon lovers! If you are looking for sparkling wine cocktails, you will love this French 95 recipe. It's a simple twist on the French 75, a classic cocktail. It has that bourbon kick with a hint of sweetness, topped with bubbles to make a delicious and easy cocktail recipe.
Make a Woodford Reserve Spire cocktail, the newest Kentucky Derby Day drink. With bourbon, cranberry and lemonade, it's refreshing and light.
A classic bourbon cocktail made with grapefruit and honey called a Brown Derby.
If you love making espresso cocktails, you have to try this bourbon espresso martini. I love the combination of the sweet bourbon with fresh espresso. It's one of my favorite espresso martini variations.
The bourbon mule is such a simple twist on the traditional Moscow Mule recipe. It's so perfect for the fall season with the combination of ginger spice and the warm flavors of bourbon.
This blackberry bourbon smash with fresh basil is such a refreshing summer bourbon cocktail recipe. It takes advantage of in-season produce and herbs paired with a slightly sweet and spicy to create this refreshing drink.
Kentucky Derby party essentials
Before you shake, stir, or muddle a single thing, make sure your bar setup is stocked and ready to go.
- Bourbon. Bourbon is the star of the show at any Derby party, so choose a quality bottle or two as your base.
- Fresh Mint. You'll also want to have fresh mint on hand, as it's a non-negotiable for a classic Mint Julep.
- Other Cocktail Needs. Stock up on simple syrup, fresh citrus, and plenty of ice, since Derby cocktails are almost always served over crushed ice for that signature frosty look.
- Glassware. For glassware, traditional silver or pewter julep cups add an authentic touch, but highball glasses and even stemless wine glasses work just as well for a casual crowd.
- Garnishes. Don't forget garnishes! Fresh mint sprigs, citrus wheels, and colorful cocktail picks go a long way in making your drinks look as festive as the occasion.
Tips for prepping these Kentucky Derby cocktails
- Batch your Mint Juleps the night before. Combine bourbon and simple syrup in a large pitcher and refrigerate overnight. Add fresh mint and crushed ice right before serving to prevent dilution or wilting.
- Make simple syrup in bulk. A large batch of classic or mint-infused simple syrup stored in the fridge lets you quickly pour and mix drinks without measuring during the party.
- Pre-juice your citrus. Squeeze lemons, limes, and oranges the morning of the party and store the juice in sealed containers in the fridge. Fresh juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Set up a self-serve cocktail station. Arrange your spirits, mixers, garnishes, and glassware on a dedicated table so guests can mix their own drinks. It takes the pressure off you and adds a fun, interactive element to the party.
- Freeze your glassware. Pop your julep cups or highball glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before the party. A frosty glass keeps drinks colder longer and looks absolutely stunning.
- Pre-garnish a tray of drinks. For the moment the race starts, have a ready-to-go tray of pre-made cocktails garnished with fresh mint and citrus so everyone has a drink in hand for the big moment.
- Label your pitchers. If you're offering more than one cocktail option, label each pitcher or dispenser clearly so guests can choose their favorite without having to ask.
- Keep crushed ice stocked all day. Crushed ice melts faster than cubed, so have a steady supply on hand. A Lewis bag and mallet work great for small batches, or grab a bag of crushed ice from the store to keep things simple.
What to make for your Derby party?
A classic pimento cheese dip is always going to be a crowd pleaser, but so is this Dirty Martini Dip, too! A baked brie is always easy to throw in the oven if you're looking for something quick. If you want something more substantial, I love these chicken bacon ranch sliders.
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