6 cocktail recipes for the Kentucky Derby (yes, including Mint Juleps)

Bourbon punch
Photo credit Basil Hayden

It’s time to pull out the seersucker suits and giant hats – the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner!

Get your home derby-ready with a fun photo booth, put out a festive spread on derby-themed plates and napkins (don’t forget the race-themed food picks!), and have fun fascinator hair clips on standby in case your guests forget to bring their own accessories.

Whether you would like to raise a toast to the winner, or are just in the mood for a refreshing cocktail, it seems fitting to include one of Kentucky’s most well-known products into the mix.

Here are six bourbon cocktail recipes courtesy of Basil Hayden, a subtle and smooth bourbon first crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe, that are sure to hit the spot!

The Golden Hour
Photo credit Basil Hayden

The Golden Hour

Ingredients
—1 part Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [purchase on Drizly]
—3/4 part Lillet Blanc [purchase on Drizly]
—3/4 part Aperol Aperitif [purchase on Drizly]
—Grapefruit peel [purchase on Amazon]

Directions
Combine ingredients over ice in a mixing glass and stir thoroughly. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over a large ice cube and garnish with a grapefruit peel.

Old Fashioned
Photo credit Basil Hayden

Old Fashioned

Ingredients
—2 parts Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [purchase on Drizly]
—2 teaspoons simple syrup [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—3 dashes Angostura bitters [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Expel the oils of the orange peel over the top of the drink and then place the peel in the glass to garnish.

Mint Julep
Photo credit Basil Hayden

Mint Julep

Ingredients
—2 parts Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [purchase on Drizly]
—1/2 part simple syrup [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—Fresh mint leaves [purchase on Drizly | Amazon]

Directions
Add mint and syrup to either a julep tin cup or a rocks glass. Gently muddle the mint to express the oils, then add crushed ice. Pour bourbon over the ice and stir thoroughly, then garnish with a mint sprig.

Bourbon punch
Photo credit Basil Hayden

Bourbon Punch

Ingredients
—1 750mL bottle Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [purchase on Drizly]
—1 cup sweet vermouth [purchase on Drizly]
—1/2 cup sugar [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—1/4 cup orange liqueur [purchase on Drizly]
—20 dashes Angostura bitters [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—1 cup tart cherry juice [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—2 cups soda water [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—2 oranges, sliced into wheels [purchase on Drizly | Amazon]
—1 tsp ground cinnamon [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]

Directions
Combine vermouth, bitters, sugar, and cinnamon in a pitcher or punch bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add bourbon, orange liqueur, tart cherry juice, and orange wheels, then stir to combine. Top with soda just before serving.

Old Friend
Photo credit Basil Hayden

Old Friend

Ingredients
—3/4 part Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [purchase on Drizly]
—3/4 part Campari liqueur [purchase on Drizly]
—1/2 part dry vermouth [purchase on Drizly]

Directions
Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice then stir thoroughly. Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel float.

Fools gold
Photo credit Basil Hayden

Fools Gold

Ingredients
—2 parts Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [purchase on Drizly]
—3/4 part fresh lemon juice [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—1/2 part limoncello [purchase on Drizly]
—1/2 part simple syrup [purchase on Drizly | Amazon | Walmart]
—Lemon wheel [purchase on Drizly | Amazon]
—Fresh sage [purchase on Amazon]

Directions
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously then strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh sage.

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