Hats are on, bets have been made, it’s time to get down and derby in Kentucky. The road to Churchill Downs is no doubt a difficult one, so we’re pulling out all the ginger beer stops in celebration of this year’s Kentucky Derby. Head off to the races with these derby day inspired cocktails, also known down South as a bourbon hug.
Kentucky Buck via Liquor.com
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. Lemon juice
1 Strawberry
1 1/2 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
1/2 oz. Simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Barritt’s Ginger Beer
Directions:
Muddle lemon juice and the strawberry in a shaker. Add the bourbon, simple syrup and bitters, filling with ice before shaking to combine. Strain into an ice-filled glass, top with Barritt’s Ginger Beer and garnish with a lemon wheel and strawberry slice.
Sparkling Mint Julep via Gimme Some Oven
Ingredients:
6 oz. Barritt’s Ginger Beer
2 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
8 Mint leaves
Directions:
Muddle Barritt’s Ginger Beer with three mint sprigs and bourbon until the mint has released its flavor. Fill the glass with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Kentucky Ice Tea Cocktail via Celebrations at Home
Ingredients:
5 oz. Sweet tea
1 oz. Kentucky bourbon
1/4 of a Lemon, juiced
3 oz. Barritt’s Ginger Beer
Directions:
Combine sweet tea, bourbon and the squeezed lemon juice in an ice-filled glass. Stir to combine, top with Barritt’s Ginger Beer and garnish with a mint sprig.
What ginger beer cocktail recipes are a derby day essential in your book? Do tell! Share your favorite recipes in the comments below or head to our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account to share.
