Celebrate The Kentucky Derby with a Mint Julep Cocktail

Today is the big day for the world famous Kentucky Derby. It’s the biggest day in horse racing around the world. If you can’t be there in person, celebrate the big race with a Mint Julep cocktail.
Maker’s Mark is an iconic bourbon brand loved by many. Maker’s Mark is awesome to drink on the rocks or mixed to create a delicious tasting cocktail. The Mint Julep cocktail drink is as popular as the Kentucky Derby itself.
If you are planning to host a Kentucky Derby party or attend a social gathering, be sure to include the Mint Julep cocktail. The great taste of Maker’s Mark bourbon is well known. The luxury spirit brand has put together some classic and innovative cocktail recipes for the big horse race.
Two that I think are so delicious are the Champagne Mint Julep and the Bourbon Ball Mint Julep. In addition, consider trying the Blackberry Mint Julep from Jelly Toast or Watermelon Granita Julep from Take a Megabite. These two fun cocktails offer a unique twist to the traditional mint and bourbon libation.
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Maker’s Mark Mint Julep
1 – ½ parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons simple syrup* muddled with mint
Splash of distilled water
Powdered sugar
Mint sprig for garnish
1 cup granulated sugar*
1 cup distilled water*
Mix together simple syrup muddled with mint, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and distilled water. Fill glass with crushed ice and pour mixture over top. Sprinkle top of ice with powdered sugar. Garnish with a mint sprig. *Simple Syrup: Heat to dissolve sugar, stirring constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
Bourbon Ball Julep
2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
½ DeKuyper® Amaretto Liqueur
½ DeKuyper® White Crème De Cocoa
¼ parts Dekuyper® Muddled Mint
Sugar and crushed pecans
Pour Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, DeKuyper® Amaretto Liqueur, DeKuyper® White Crème De Cocoa, Dekuyper® Muddled Mint over ice in shaker. Shake well and strain over ice. Sprinkle with sugar and crushed pecan.
Champagne Mint Julep
2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
2 parts sparkling white wine or Champagne
½ parts elderflower liqueur
Lemon twist and mint for garnish
Mix together Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, sparkling white wine, elderflower liqueur. Muddle with mint. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with lemon twist.
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby and toast the big race with a mouth watering Mint Julep cocktail. The Life of Luxury offers a variety of concierge services including sports and red carpet event VIP experiences. Follow this luxury blog for more luxury news.
Photo: Maker’s Mark