KENTUCKY DERBY Artisanal Mint Julep Recipes from Top Mixologists

The Kentucky Derby is almost here. This famous horse race is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. The 2018 race will be held on May 5 and it caps off the Kentucky Derby Festival that lasts for two weeks prior to the big weekend event.

Over 120,000 Mint Juleps are served during the two-day weekend period of the Kentucky Derby. Top mixologists from some of the country's best restaurants and bars have shared new takes on the classic drink that includes mixes of beetroot and peppercorn syrup, flash-fried peaches and more. Pick your winner and check out these six distinctive recipes that you can make at home to toast the big race.

Runnin' Roughshod: Handcrafted by Allen Lancaster, Master Mixologist at The Bar at the Spectator, Runnin' Roughshod takes its inspiration from the pack coming down the homestretch. With a 111.1 proof bourbon as its base, this twist on the classic Mint Julep may be an ideal "one and done" cocktail (too many and you may be "trampled!") Earthy notes starting with the beetroot, subtle spice and floral notes from pink peppercorns, and mild sweetness and astringency from the mint leaves/bitters leave this libation well balanced.

Recipe:

2oz Makers Mark Private Select Bourbon

.5oz Beetroot-Pink Peppercorn Gomme Syrup

2 Dashes Fee Bros Mint Bitters

8 Mint Leaves

Put mint leaves and gomme syrup into julep cup and muddle. Add bourbon and fill vessel halfway with crushed ice. Twist bar spoon or swizzle stick between hands to blend ingredients. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with lotus root and mint sprigs.

For more information on The Bar at the Spectator, visit: https://thespectatorhotel.com/the-bar.

Ryu Hayabusa: OBC Kitchen is a local favorite in Lexington, KY known for chef-driven dishes, an extremely rare bourbon collection and eclectic hand-crafted cocktails. Their Ryu Hayabusa turns the classic Old Fashioned into a Mint Julep, combining Maker's Mark, honey syrup, cherry and orange bitters, and fresh mint.

Recipe:

2oz Maker's 46

0.75oz Honey Syrup (1:1)

4 Dashes Orange Bitters

3 Dashes Cherry Bitters

8-10 Mint Leaves

Muddle mint leaves with bitters and honey syrup in mixing glass. Add Maker's Mark 46 and ice and stir. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with orange rose, cherry, and mint.

For more information on OBC Kitchen, visit: https://obckitchen.com/.

The Southern Belle: Crafted by Well Bar head mixologist Sonny Wallace, The Southern Belle at The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens encompasses traditional Mint Julep characteristics while incorporating signature southern accents. The addition of flash fried peaches accentuate this classic cocktail's flavor profile with sweet, savory, and smoky tones.

Recipe:

2.5 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon

.5 oz. Fried Peach Syrup

4-5 mint leaves (Muddled)

Crushed Ice

4 Mint sprigs for garnish

For more information on The Southern Belle, visit: https://thecollectorinn.com/.

Raspberry Julep: Handcrafted by mixologist Lauren Kritt on the private rooftop terrace of the only waterfront property in the Historic District, guests visiting Charleston's Harbour View Inn can sip on the seasonally-inspired Raspberry Julep made with Larceny Bourbon, Cannonborough Raspberry Mint soda, simple syrup and mint while taking in 360-degree views of the city skyline and historic harbor.

Recipe:

2 oz Larceny Bourbon

2 oz Cannonborough Raspberry Mint Soda

.5 oz simple syrup

Mint sprig, raspberry garnish

For more information on the Harbour View Inn, visit: https://harbourviewcharleston.com/.

RockCastle Bourbon Dark Julep: Seth Kinder, bartender at Elkhorn Tavern, serves up the RockCastle Bourbon Dark Julep by infusing freshly muddled mint, brown sugar, and hand-squeezed orange juice to compliment the bold flavor of Barrel House Distilling Company's RockCastle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This wonderfully nuanced cocktail is perfect for the final furlong!

Recipe:

1.5 oz orange juice

1 oz brown sugar (measure dry in a jigger or similar.)

12 large mint leaves & 2 sprigs for garnish

2 oz Rockcastle Bourbon or Barrel House Select

Orange zest

Fee Bros. Black Walnut Bitters

Crushed ice

For more information on Elkhorn Tavern, visit: https://www.barrelhousedistillery.com/elkhorn-tavern/.

The Bitter Truth about Cyrus, A Julep Story: Middle Fork Kitchen Bar's Beverage Director Brad Hagarbome concocted this sweet and sour Mint Julep cocktail, leaving a bitter yet refreshing taste on the palette.

Recipe:

1.5 Michter's Sour Mash
.5 Campari
.5 Maurin Quina
.5 Branca Menta
.5 Rose Simple (1:1 with ½ tsp rose water)

Whip shake with 2 cubes pour over crushed ice, garnish with bunch of fresh mint.

For more information on Middle Fork Kitchen Bar, visit: http://www.middleforkkb.com/.

Get all you need to know about the Kentucky Derby by visiting: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/.

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