Mint Juleps

This weekend is the 140th running of The Kentucky Derby and what better way to celebrate than with  the derby drink: the Mint Julep.

Tavern in the Village and Tavern at Mission Farms are putting on their fourth annual Derby Day Parties on Saturday, May 3 from 2 - 6 p.m. Dark Horse Distillery is helping them provide this classic cocktail, along with several unique interpretations.

The signature cocktail of the day will be the Thai Mint Julep:

Thai Julep

• .5 oz. lavender simple syrup
• 2 oz. bourbon
• 1 slice cucumber
• 4-5 Thai or regular basil leaves
• 4-5 mint leaves

Directions:

• In a mixing glass, muddle cucumber slice with lavender simple syrup, add ice, Dark Horse Longshot Bourbon, Thai Basil, and Mint - shake vigorously and pour into a high ball glass. Garnish with a sprig of basil and serve.

Traditional Mint Julep

• .5 oz. simple syrup
• 3 oz. bourbon
• 4-5 mint leaves

Directions:

• Muddle mint with simple syrup in a mixing glass, add ice and Longshot Bourbon shake 15 times and strain into martini glass, garnish with a sprig of mint and serve. 

Peach Julep

• .5 oz. simple syrup
• 1 oz. peach nectar
• 2 oz. bourbon
• 4-5 mint leaves
• Peach bitters

Directions:

• In a mixing glass, muddle simple syrup and mint leaves, add ice, peach nectar, Longshot Bourbon, and 4-5 dashes of peach bitters - shake vigorously and pour into a high ball glass, add a splash of water, garnish with a slice of peach and a sprig of mint - serve. 

Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep

• .5 oz. simple syrup
• 4 oz. house made sour mix or unsweetened lemonade
• 4-5 sprigs mint
• .5 oz. water

Directions:

• If using unsweetened lemonade, do not use simple syrup. In a mixing glass, muddle mint and simple syrup, add ice and house made sour mix - shake vigorously and pour into a high ball glass, add a splash of water, and garnish with a sprig of mint before serving. 

Thanks to the Tavern team for providing these great recipes!! More information on their parties can be found here. 

You can also get your bow-tie and floppy-hat game on at Julep, Barrel 31, Kansas Town, Rye, Burg & Barrel, Westport Ale House, and even VanBrock!