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Home » Recipe Collections

Published: May 1, 2023 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

10+ Kentucky Derby Cocktails for the Run of the Roses

Two Kentucky Derby cocktails on a silver tray with crushed ice around them and text overlay on top of the image.
Two Kentucky Derby cocktails on a silver tray with crushed ice around them and text overlay on top of the image.

Celebrate the Run of the Roses with one of these favorite Kentucky Derby Cocktails in hand! From mint juleps to smashes and Kentucky mules, these bourbon cocktails feature refreshing flavors that you can enjoy from not just Derby Day but also throughout the summer months. Bourbon lovers are sure to love each refreshing drink.

A photo collage of four different Kentucky Derby cocktails with a block of text overlay in the center of the images.
Jump to:
  • Mint Julep Recipes
  • Other Refreshing Bourbon Cocktail Recipes
  • Food Pairing Ideas
  • Bourbon Cocktail FAQs
  • Expert Tips for Making Juleps
  • Browse More Cocktail Collections

Kentucky Derby weekend is upon us, and we just can’t have a proper celebration without a good bourbon cocktail. A mint julep is a must.

After all, the mint julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. According to the Kentucky Derby’s website, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served at the big race every year. Mixing up that many juleps calls for 1,000 pounds of fresh mint and 60,000 pounds of crushed ice.

That’s a lot of mint juleps. 

But we certainly don’t have to stop at juleps. In addition to this Derby classic, you’ll find plenty of bourbon-forward cocktails here to make it a festive race day. So let’s don your best fancy hat or seersucker suit and start sipping on our favorite bourbon drinks.

Mint Julep Recipes

1. Blackberry Mint Julep

Looking straight on to a blackberry mint julep on purple cloth with flowers and berries around it against a white background.
Blackberry Mint Julep
Make your Kentucky Derby party extra memorable with this fresh blackberry mint julep! Mixed with freshly muddled mint leaves and a double dose of blackberries, you'll adore the refreshing and fruity spin on this favorite bourbon cocktail. And, of course, don't feel like you just have to save this drink for Derby Day — this classic cocktail is perfect for sipping on the patio all through the spring and summer months.
Check out this recipe
A blackberry mint julep in a silver cup on a serving tray with purple cloth and berries surrounding the drink.

2. Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep

Two peachy mint juleps on fabric with mint sprigs.
Brown Sugar-Peach Mint Julep
For a delicious twist on a classic bourbon cocktail, you'll love this brown sugar-peach mint julep. Made with a homemade dark brown sugar simple syrup and freshly muddled peaches, this summery mint julep is perfect whether you need a festive Kentucky Derby cocktail or a refreshing patio sipper on a warm night. No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with this peachy mint julep.
Check out this recipe
Two brown sugar-peach mint juleps with fresh mint sprigs and peach slices on the side.

3. Sweet Tea Mint Julep

A close-up shot of a sweet tea mint julep on a silver platter with mint sprigs around it.
Sweet Tea Mint Julep
For the most refreshing bourbon cocktail, it doesn’t get better than this sweet tea mint julep! Classic Southern sweet tea is muddled with fresh mint and mixed with bourbon to make a picnic-perfect drink that's always a crowd pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just need a cooling sipper for a night on the patio, this sweet tea bourbon cocktail is great for either occasion.
Check out this recipe
Two sweet tea mint julep cocktails with tea bags in front of them and a pitcher of tea in the background.

4. Strawberry Mint Julep

A glass of strawberry mint julep with another glass in the background.
Strawberry Mint Julep
Whether you’re celebrating Derby Day or simply looking for a refreshing cocktail, this strawberry mint julep is perfect for the occasion. Made with fresh strawberries and mint leaves, this mint julep has just the right sweetness to balance the bourbon for your perfect patio cocktail.
Check out this recipe
The strawberry mint julep on a pink clothe with a cup full of strawberries in the background.

Other Refreshing Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

5. Blackberry Bourbon Smash

A close-up shot of the blackberry bourbon smash on a white and gold coaster with a bouquet of purple and white flowers behind it.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Stay cool this summer with a blackberry bourbon smash in hand! You’ll just love how that sweet, smooth bourbon gets a refreshing makeover from those tart blackberries, fresh mint, lemon and bubbly club soda topping. Now let’s find a comfortable seat on the patio with good company by your side and sip this fruity bourbon cocktail all summer long.
Check out this recipe
Looking straight on to a blackberry bourbon smash on a white wooden surface with purple flowers and fresh berries on the side.

6. Cherry Bourbon Smash

Looking down on a cherry bourbon smash with a plate of fresh cherries to the side on a wooden surface.
Cherry Bourbon Smash
Patio sipping is about to get even more delicious. Bursting with sweet cherry flavor, a punch of citrus and a kick of mint, this cherry bourbon smash is one of summer's best cocktails.
Check out this recipe
A cherry bourbon smash on burlap with a plate of cherries and white flowers in the background.

7. Kentucky Mule

Looking down on two Kentucky mule cocktails on a straw placement with a wooden plate filled with limes on the left.
The Best Kentucky Mule
This very best Kentucky mule is the perfect refreshing cocktail for bourbon lovers! Freshly squeezed lime juice, smooth bourbon and cooling ginger beer come together to make one drink you’ll want to sip on the patio all night. You can whip up this favorite whiskey drink in under five minutes, and it couldn’t be easier to prepare. Plus, this bourbon mule comes with a batching option for easy entertaining.
Check out this recipe
A Kentucky mule on a straw placemat with a fresh mint sprig and lime wedges to the side.

8. Blueberry Bourbon Smash

A side view of the fresh blueberry cocktail with flowers and blueberries surrounding it.
Blueberry Bourbon Smash
Your perfect summer bourbon cocktail is here, and it's a tasty one! With its bright lemon and fresh mint, this blueberry bourbon smash is one refreshing sipper for those warm patio nights.
Check out this recipe
A blueberry bourbon smash on a wooden plate with white flowers in the background.

9. Cherry-Orange Kentucky Mule

A close-up of a mule with a sprig of mint framing it in front.
Cherry-Orange Kentucky Mule
Let’s bring a summer twist to your traditional Kentucky mule! With a double dose of fruit, spicy ginger kick and bubbly finish, this cherry-orange Kentucky mule is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavor in every sip.
Check out this recipe
A cherry-orange Kentucky mule on burlap with cherries and orange slices around it.

10. Peach Bourbon Smash With Maple and Ginger

An aerial view looking into a peach-maple bourbon smash with slices of peaches on the side.
Peach Bourbon Smash With Maple and Ginger
Let’s give summer a proper farewell while welcoming the fall’s rich flavors with this maple-infused peach bourbon. Fresh, end-of-season peaches and bright mint come together with warming bourbon, maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon for a cocktail that celebrates the best of both seasons. This comforting cocktail is the drink you need to transition into a new time of year.
Check out this recipe
A peach bourbon smash on a wooden tray with a bunch of white flowers.

11. Rosemary Kentucky Mule

Looking down into a mule with the copper bar spoon and a rosemary sprig to the side.
Rosemary Kentucky Mule
Let’s give a beloved bourbon cocktail a simple yet gourmet upgrade with this rosemary Kentucky mule! Featuring a fresh rosemary simple syrup, tart lime juice and spicy ginger beer for a bubbly kick, this bourbon mule shows off a complex depth of flavors for one tasty drink, but you’ll be surprised how easy it is to prepare. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite Kentucky mule.
Check out this recipe
Two rosemary Kentucky mules with a copper bar spoon to the left and a box of white flowers in the background.

Food Pairing Ideas

Of course, what’s a party without plenty of delicious snacks? 

Biscuits and smoked ham: Flaky buttermilk biscuits stuffed with double smoked ham are the perfect way to start your Derby brunch. With all those bourbon cocktails, we absolutely need a good meal early on for that crucial base in our stomachs. 

Truffle deviled eggs: As a Southern favorite appetizer, deviled eggs are a must, and you’ll love how the truffle gives these little bites a sophisticated twist to go with your fancy outfits. 

Pimento tea sandwiches: Pimento cheese and tea sandwiches are popular on race day, so let’s bring the two together in one little snack. 

Bourbon bacon jam cheese ball: Made with my bourbon bacon jam, this irresistible cheese spread is perfect with all those cocktails, and it’s great for feeding a crowd. One cheese ball goes a long way. 

Hot brown: This Kentucky Derby classic dish is an open-faced sandwich made with turkey, bacon and Mornay sauce and then broiled until hot and bubbly. 

Burgoo: Another traditional Derby Day recipe, burgoo is a hearty stew prepared with various meats and vegetables. You can serve it as a main course with cornbread or a side dish.

Derby pie: Chocolate lovers will adore this one. This favorite Southern dessert is basically a pecan pie loaded with chocolate chips in every decadent bite.

Bourbon-peach clafoutis: This elegant dessert features a bourbon-spiked baked custard with fresh peaches. Hey, we can’t get enough bourbon on Derby Day.

Bourbon Cocktail FAQs

What’s the best bourbon for making cocktails?

I recommend using the best mid-range bourbon that fits your budget, especially when it comes to mint juleps. A mint julep is a strong drink, so you don’t want a low-quality bourbon.

Old Forester is a Derby favorite. You also can’t go wrong with Makers Mark, Four Roses, Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig. For more recommendations, you can check out this list of best bourbons for mixing.

How is bourbon different from whiskey?

Bourbon is a distinct type of whiskey. For whiskey to be considered bourbon, its mash must be distilled from at least 51% corn and then aged in new charred oak barrels. That corn makeup and barrel aging results in a sweeter flavor profile with prominent vanilla and caramel notes, which is why it pairs so well with all those various fruits.

What’s the proper glassware for mint juleps?

A silver or pewter julep cup is traditional. The metal helps insulate the drink to keep every sip as refreshing as possible. As you sip, make sure you hold the julep cup on the top rim or bottom lip to prevent your fingers from heating the glass.

If you don’t have a silver julep cup, you can substitute a double old fashioned glass.

Can you make nonalcoholic bourbon drinks?

Sure, you can substitute a zero-proof bourbon to turn these recipes into mocktails. See this guide on the best nonalcoholic whiskeys for some recommendations.

Expert Tips for Making Juleps

Use crushed ice for mint juleps: Mint juleps are designed to use crushed ice because it gradually melts and dilutes the drink as you leisurely sip. If you don’t have an ice machine, you can crush your own by placing ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag and smacking them with a rolling pin. Or you can buy a bag of crushed ice from Sonic.

Clap mint before garnishing: Place the mint sprig in one hand and then quickly clap the other hand on top of the mint before adding it to the cup. This releases the mint’s fragrance to give you a delightful herby whiff with each sip.

Serve with straws: With that mound of crushed ice, a straw makes for much easier sipping. You can even buy silver metal straws to match.

Muddle the mint gently: Overworking mint can cause it to turn bitter. We just need a few light twists to properly muddle mint.

And there you have it. You’re now ready to host the ultimate Kentucky Derby party.

Cheers!

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A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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