The Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is regarded as one of America’s most iconic sporting events. Beyond the thrilling two-minute race, the Derby is a social and culinary spectacle, steeped in Southern traditions and celebrated with fashion, feasts, and cocktails. The 151st edition will occur on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with the main event post time set at 6:57 p.m. ET. With 14 races scheduled throughout the day and broadcast coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET, fans can indulge in every festive element.
Whether you're placing a casual wager, tracking the latest Kentucky Derby odds, or simply enjoying the view from your living room, the drinks you serve can elevate your party to Churchill Downs standards. While the Mint Julep remains the race day classic, a whole world of unique cocktails can add variety and elegance to your Derby Day celebration.
Before we explore other drinks, let’s pay tribute to the official beverage of the Derby. Over 120,000 Mint Juleps are served yearly at Churchill Downs during Derby weekend.
Instructions: Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup. Fill the cup with crushed ice and pour the bourbon over it. Stir until the cup is frosted, then garnish with a mint sprig.
Pair with: Pimento cheese sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, or mini crab cakes.
Served on Friday during the Kentucky Oaks, the Oaks Lily is the feminine and fruity cousin to the Mint Julep. It’s a perfect welcome cocktail to start your Derby weekend.
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a stemless wine glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a floating blackberry.
Pair with: Goat cheese crostini, shrimp cocktail, or berry tarts.
As an official Kentucky Derby partner, Woodford Reserve offers its signature cocktail, the Woodford Spire. It’s a refreshing, bourbon-based alternative for those who want to skip the mint.
Instructions: Build over ice in a highball glass. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon twist.
Pair with: Deviled eggs, ham biscuits, or lemon bars.
This regional twist on the Moscow Mule combines bourbon with ginger beer and lime for a refreshing, zesty drink perfect for Derby Day.
Instructions: Fill a copper mug with ice. Add bourbon and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir and garnish.
Pair with: Pulled pork sliders, bourbon-glazed meatballs, or nachos.
Seasonal and vibrant, this cocktail is perfect for spring and adds a colorful touch to your Derby spread.
Instructions: Muddle mint and blackberries with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add bourbon and ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
Pair with: Baked brie with jam, charcuterie, or grilled sausages.
Sweet tea meets bourbon in this Southern classic. It’s ideal for guests who want a lighter, more sippable drink throughout the day.
Instructions: Build over ice in a tall glass. Stir and garnish with lemon.
Pair with: Fried chicken tenders, cornbread muffins, or pecan pralines.
This effervescent cocktail adds a sparkling twist to wine lovers' celebrations and works excellently for brunch-style Derby parties.
Instructions: Pour ingredients into a champagne flute. Stir gently and garnish.
Pair with: Smoked salmon blinis, quiche, or lemon scones.
A lighter and fruitier spin on the Mint Julep, this cocktail is fragrant, fun, and ideal for sunny afternoons.
Instructions: Muddle the peach, mint, and syrup in a shaker. Add bourbon and ice, then shake well—strain into a julep cup filled with crushed ice.
Pair with: Grilled chicken skewers, cucumber tea sandwiches, or peach cobbler.
Consider setting up a DIY cocktail bar to elevate your Kentucky Derby party. Stock it with:
Print recipe cards for each cocktail and station them across the bar for guests to mix their drinks. This will ease the host's workload and engage your guests in the Derby Day experience.
As guests place mock wagers or participate in Kentucky Derby betting pools, offer drink suggestions based on their picks. For example:
Incorporating themed cocktails into your party creates a more immersive experience. It lets you pair your passion for Kentucky Derby betting odds and racing strategy with culinary flair.
The Kentucky Derby is more than a horse race; it celebrates heritage, style, and the art of entertaining. While the Mint Julep remains essential to the tradition, diversifying your drink menu can turn your at-home gathering into a first-class affair.
Whether you’re preparing to bet on Kentucky Derby contenders, decorating your space with red roses, or serving elegant small plates, the cocktails you choose can elevate the ambiance and experience. With recipes that range from sweet and fruity to bold and complex, there’s a drink for every guest and every wager.
So print your racing forms, finalize your Kentucky Derby betting pool, and shake up a round of signature cocktails. Because when the gates open and the trumpet sounds, you’ll want to sip something spectacular.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
