Break out your big hat and hold on to your horses! It’s Kentucky Derby time and that means it’s high time to get your bar ready for the big race. Watch the video above to see Woodford Reserve brand ambassador Michael Toscano show Us how to make the official drink of the big day – a mint julep, plus he shows us how to make a Woodford Spire, an easy drink to make in batches for your party guests, in the video below.
If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky this Saturday, don’t fret! Watch the videos to see how you can drink at home as if you’re at the race, plus find full recipes for each cocktail below.
To make sure your wardrobe is ready with a fascinator like the one Jackie Miranne dons in the video, check out the Kentucky Derby’s official milliner, Christine A. Moore.
Tune into the 145th Annual Kentucky Derby on NBC Saturday, May 4 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Mint Julep
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
2 bar spoons of Inspired Honey Sweetener
2 Mint Leaves
Garnish: Shaved honeycomb and a sprig of mint
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Rub mint around the julep cup, expressing the essential oils and place the mint leaf in the bottom of the cup.
- Drizzle two bar spoons of honey sweetener in the cup, followed by two ounces of Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon, mixing the ingredients together.
- Pack ice into the cup, followed by placing the sipping straw.
- Layer loose ice on top, with a splash of Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon to settle your drink.
- Garnish with shaved honeycomb and a sprig of mint.
Woodford Spire
INGREDIENTS:
1.5 parts Woodford Reserve
2 parts Lemonade
1 part cranberry juice
Crushed Ice
Lemon peel for a lemon twist to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a glass mix Woodford Reserve, lemonade and Cranberry juice with a bar spoon.
- Add liquid mixture into a copper cup, add crushed ice to the top of the glass
- Serve with a lemon twist.
