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20 Kentucky Derby Drinks To Try In Case Mint Juleps Aren't Really Your Thing
Just because you'll be celebrating the Kentucky Derby from home rather than Louisville doesn't mean you can't party in style with a few appropriate Kentucky Derby drinks. And if you're stocking up on all the race day classics for your big Derby party, you know that there's nothing more iconic than the mint julep.
Except, well, mint juleps aren't everyone's cup of tea (sorry for not being sorry). If you're not the biggest fan of the minty bourbon-based mint julep, fear not! Here are 20 warm-weather cocktails guaranteed to get you pumped for the fastest two minutes of the year.
Image: The True Spoon
Sparkling Rhubarb and Raspberry Collins
This fresh floral concoction blends gin, homemade rhubarb syrup, and fresh raspberries.
Image: Lexi Bites
The Trouble Maker
Try this signature cocktail from Weather Up in Tribeca. With a name like that, you know it’s bound to be good.
Image: Guest of a Guest
Beetroot Dark and Stormy
A little color and earthy flavor from fresh beet juice makes a lovely addition to this zesty classic.
Image: The Not So Desperate Housewife
Tres Leches Martini
Cream, evaporated, and condensed milk make this Tres Leches martini a truly decadent experience.
Image: The Drink Blog
Fruit Sorbet and Sparkling Wine Floats
Booze and frozen treats belong together forever.
Image: Maebells
Lavender Gin Lemonade
Lavender isn’t just for potpourri. Try it in this creative cocktail that blends it with gin and lemonade.
Image: The True Spoon
The Henchman
Get the party started with this combo of white whiskey, Madiera, bitters, scotch, chocolate stout, and cherries. The secret to success? Making extra beer foam in a French press.
Image: Pickled Capers
Meyer Lemon Shandy
Fresh-squeezed Meyer lemons make this shandy a magical addition to any Derby party.
Image: Foxes Love Lemons
Classic Manhattan Cocktail
NOT to be confused with the contemporary, bourbon-based version, the classic is made of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, Angostura bitters, and a touch of lemon.
Image: Leite’s Culinaria
Endless Summer Sangria
You had me at “Endless.” Find the recipe for this sweet and spicy sangria over at I Am a Food Blog.
Image: I Am a Food Blog
Strawberry Orange Mango Kombucha Mocktails
If you MUST abstain from alcohol this year, try this fun kombucha-based mocktail. So much flavor, you won’t even miss the booze (well, almost).
Image: The Roasted Root
The Boreal Ridge
The 10th Kitchen mixes up this creative cocktail with lemongrass, lime, bitters, Licor 43, vanilla, and Prosecco.
Image: 10th Kitchen
Pineapple Ginger Mojitos
We all know Mint Juleps are just mojito-wannabes anyway. Try this version with fresh pineapple and ginger.
Image: Domesticate Me
Coconut Mango Mojitos
Whip up a few of these babies and let the sun shine in. It’ll almost be like watching the Derby on the beach. Almost.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Cranberry-Ginger White Wine Cocktails
This fruity, crisp blend of white wine, cranberries, and homemade ginger syrup is beautifully fragrant, flavorful, and classy.
Image: 3 Pastries a Day
Gummy Bear Sangria
The addition of “Drunky Bears” to sangria may be the most genius idea of the century.
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Peach Prosecco Punch
This punch from Damn Delicious is bursting with fresh fruit, is bubbly, and is… well… damn delicious.
Image: Damn Delicious
Cognac Sour
Try this fun twist on a whiskey sour topped off with a little fresh rosemary.
Image: Vikalinka
Strawberry-Infused Vodka
By the end of the day, you really just need to cut straight to the chase. You can try this strawberry-infused vodka with your favorite mixers, but let’s be honest, it’s probably best straight from the bottle.
Image: Love U Madly
Frozen Pineapple Daquiris
Find your most bodacious Derby hat and kick back with this fancy libation from A Cozy Kitchen.
Image: A Cozy Kitchen
