Run for the Roses: The history of the Kentucky Derby and its cocktails

Get your fancy hats and mint juleps ready, folks - it's time to talk about the Kentucky Derby!

This iconic horse race has been around since 1875 and has become a staple of American culture. But where did it all begin?

Well, legend has it that the Kentucky Derby was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of famous explorer William Clark. He was inspired by the Epsom Derby in England and wanted to create a similar event in the United States. So, he rallied some wealthy friends and established the Louisville Jockey Club, later known as Churchill Downs.

Aristides - First winner of the Kentucky Derby

The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17th, 1875, with a crowd of 10,000 spectators in attendance. Fifteen horses competed in the race, which was won by a horse named Aristides.

Since then, the Kentucky Derby has become a beloved event that draws in crowds worldwide. From the famous "Run for the Roses" to the glamorous fashion and delicious libations, and southern cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

But let's be real - we all know that the show's real star is the mint julep. This refreshing cocktail, made with bourbon, sugar, water, and mint, has become a quintessential part of the Kentucky Derby experience. And we can't blame them - it's the perfect drink to sip on while you cheer on your favorite horse. If the mint julep isn’t quite your style, we have a list of a few more that we think will suit your fancy.

Learn more about the Mint Julep

Preakness by Allen Katz

Oaks Lily

1945 kentucky Derby

Recipes:

Brown Derby

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon

• 1 ounce grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed

• 1/2 ounce honey syrup

• Garnish: grapefruit twist

Steps:

1. Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

2. Fine-strain into a cocktail glass.

3. Express the oil from a grapefruit twist over the drink and drop the twist into the drink to garnish.

Kentucky Maid

Ingredients:

• 8 mint leaves

• 2 thin cucumber slices

• 3/4 ounce simple syrup

• 2 ounces bourbon (preferably Elijah Craig Small Batch)

• 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

• Garnish: mint sprig skewed through a cucumber slice

Steps:

1. Place the mint leaves in a shaker and top with the cucumber slices. Add the simple syrup and gently muddle, making sure to break up the cucumber skins.

2. Add the bourbon and lime juice, plus ice, and shake until well-chilled.

3. Strain into a double rocks glass over one large ice cube.

4. Garnish with the mint sprig skewered through a cucumber wheel.

Sangrita

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces American rye whiskey

• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth

• 1/4 ounce Benedictine

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

• Garnish: lemon twist

Steps:

1. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe.

3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Oaks Lily

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1/2 ounce orange liqueur

• 3 ounces cranberry juice

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• Garnish: 2 blackberries

• Garnish: lemon wheel

Steps:

1. Add the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice and simple syrup into a highball glass, then fill with ice and stir gently to combine.
   

2. Garnish with 2 skewered blackberries and a lemon wheel.

Aristides

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounce Gin

• 1 ounce Sorel

• 1/2 ounce blood orange liqueur

• 1/2 ounce water

• Top with champagne

• 4 fresh mint leaves

• Garnish: mint sprig

• Garnish: hibiscus flowers

Steps:

1. In a shaker combine all ingredients EXCEPT champagne, 1/2 cup of ice, and shake for 8-10 seconds

2. In a rocks glass add fresh ice and strain the contents over. Leave 1 1/2' for the champagne float

3. Garnish with mint and hibiscus flowers