A classic Mint Julep is 2 oz bourbon and 1/2 oz simple syrup over muddled fresh mint and crushed ice, stirred and garnished with more ice and mint. Below are that recipe, the Woodford Spire, a French 75 with G.H. Mumm Champagne and a Chardonnay spritzer, plus a Washington Cabernet for the grandstands.
For more drinks by spirit and season, see our Cocktail Recipes .
1. Classic Mint Julep
Ingredients
2 oz Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
Steps
Muddle the mint and rub it inside the glass.
Add the bourbon, simple syrup and crushed ice.
Stir and garnish with more ice and fresh mint.
Kentucky, Other U.S. ● Bourbon Whiskey
When Woodford Reserve is unavailable: Maker's Mark, another Kentucky straight bourbon, in the same 2 oz pour.
2. Woodford Spire
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
2 oz lemonade
1 oz cranberry juice
Steps
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and stir.
Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon twist.
Kentucky, Other U.S. ● Bourbon Whiskey
When Woodford Reserve is unavailable: Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, in the same 1 1/2 oz pour.
3. French 75 with G.H. Mumm
Ingredients
2 1/2 oz G.H. Mumm Brut Grand Cordon Champagne
1 oz Cognac or gin
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice
Steps
Stir or shake the lemon juice, simple syrup and Cognac or gin with ice.
Strain into a Champagne flute or coupe.
Top with the Champagne and garnish with a twisted lemon peel.
91 James
90 Wine
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The Champagne this recipe is written for: G.H. Mumm Brut Grand Cordon (this listing comes with a gift bag).
4. White Wine Spritzer
Ingredients
3/4 cup chilled Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay
1/4 cup chilled club soda
1 lemon, for garnish and zest
Steps
Add the club soda and Chardonnay to a glass.
Garnish with a lemon slice.
Columbia Valley, Washington ● Chardonnay
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The Chardonnay this spritzer is written for: Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay (current vintage).
5. A Red for the Grandstands: Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet
Not every guest wants a cocktail. Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from Washington's Columbia Valley, is a red to pour alongside the juleps and whites. Shop more white wine for the party.
Columbia Valley, Washington ● Cabernet Sauvignon
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The Cabernet from the original Derby lineup: Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, current vintage.
Kentucky Derby Drink Questions, Answered
What is the classic Kentucky Derby drink? The Mint Julep: 2 oz bourbon and 1/2 oz simple syrup over muddled mint and crushed ice, stirred and topped with more ice and fresh mint.
What is a Woodford Spire? A stirred bourbon drink of 1 1/2 oz Woodford Reserve, 2 oz lemonade and 1 oz cranberry juice, poured over ice with a lemon twist.
How do you make a French 75? Shake 1 oz Cognac or gin with 1/2 oz each simple syrup and lemon juice, strain into a flute or coupe and top with 2 1/2 oz Champagne.
What wine should I serve at a Derby party? Champagne such as G.H. Mumm for toasts, a Chardonnay (straight or as a spritzer) and a Cabernet Sauvignon such as Cold Creek Vineyard.
More guides: Cocktail Recipes · Bourbon Cocktail Recipes · Summer Cocktail Recipes · Brunch Cocktail Recipes
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