More Derby Day Cocktails

It's Kentucky Derby Day, and we all know what that means: Great hats and mint juleps! I love hats, and I love mint juleps, but sometimes I like to celebrate with something different. So once again, I am providing you with a list of alternative cocktails, inspired by some of the horses who are running the Derby this year.

Donegal (Mo Donegal)

The base of a Donegal cocktail is, not surprisingly, blended Irish whiskey. Combine 1-1/2 oz whiskey, 1/2 oz cherry liqueur, 1/4 oz orange liqueur, and 1-1/4 oz white vermouth in a shaker over ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Panama Jack (Happy Jack)

There is a "cocktail" called a Happy Jack, but it is simply a shot of Apfelkorn. The Derby deserves a true mixed drink, so instead of a Happy Jack, I'm recommending a Panama Jack. Fill a tall glass with ice and stir together 2 parts each coconut rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice, and 1 part banana liqueur. Garnish with an orange or pineapple wedge or a cherry. 

Tremblement de Terre (Epicenter)

The Tremblement de Terre (literally, "shaking of the earth," i.e., earthquake) cocktail is as elegant as the Kentucky Derby itself. In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 2-1/4 oz. cognac with 1/4 oz absinthe; shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon.

Heatwave (Summer Is Tomorrow)

I'd love for a heatwave to arrive and prove that summer is tomorrow. Here's a refreshing tropical cocktail to celebrate both the horse and the idea that Summer is Tomorrow: In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 1-1/4 oz coconut rum, 1/2 oz peach schnapps, 3 oz pineapple juice, and 3 oz orange juice. Shake and strain into a hurricane glass with ice, then top with 1/2 oz grenadine and garnish with a peach wedge. 

Happy Smile (Smile Happy)

The Happy Smile cocktail is as simple and cheery as a happy smile itself. In a shaker of ice, combine 3 oz apricot brandy, 2 oz orange juice, and a dash of orange bitters. Shake vigorously, strain into a cocktail glass, and top with 5 oz champagne. Garnish with an orange slice. 

Guard's Cocktail (Messier)

The French word "messier" refers to a type of guard, so Messier's cocktail is the Guard's Cocktail. In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 2 parts gin and 1 part sweet vermouth with a 2 dashes of curacao, shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a wedge or twist of lemon. 

Crown Cranberry (Crown Pride)

Naturally, Crown Pride's cocktail incorporates Crown Royal whiskey (but feel free to use whatever whiskey you prefer). In a cocktail glass with ice, combine equal parts ginger ale, cranberry juice, and whiskey. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a few fresh cranberries.

Charging Station (Charge It)

You'll definitely get a charge from this coffee-based cocktail. In a shaker of crushed ice, combine 2 oz vodka, 3/4 oz sweetened coconut cream, 3/4 oz strong brewed coffee, and 2 dashes of firewater bitters (you can make your own from this recipe!). Shake hard until the ice is nearly dissolved, then pour into a Collins glass, add additional crushed or pebble ice, and garnish with cinnamon. 

Whiskey Bomb (Tiz the Bomb)

Technically this recipe calls for "gomme syrup," which is simple syrup combined with gum arabic to thicken it and provide a silkier mouth feel, but simple syrup will work perfectly well. Combine 2 oz Scotch, 1 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a highball or martini glass.

Sweet Memories (Zandon)

I have no idea where the name Zandon came from or what its significance is, so I looked up his pedigree and found that his dam was named Memories Prevail, so this cocktail is in her honor. In a shaker of ice, combine equal parts light rum, dry vermouth, and orange curacao. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. 

Funky Cold Medina (Pioneer of Medina)

Southern Comfort is a whiskey liqueur with flavor of fruit and spice. You could substitute plain whiskey, but you'd miss some of the subtle flavors. Fill a large glass with ice and combine equal parts vodka, Southern Comfort, and blue curaco and still well, then top with a splash of cranberry juice and garnish with a kiwi wheel. 

Irish Gun Runner (Taiba)

Another horse whose name did not help in choosing a cocktail, this choice is in honor of Taiba's sire, Gun Runner. In a large coffee mug, combine 1/2 shot each Irish Cream, Irish whiskey, and Grand Marnier, then fill with freshly brewed coffee. Stir, then stop with whipped cream. 

Simplified Daiquiri (Simplification)

Although a "true" daiquiri is not that complicated, this recipe claims to be a simplification of the original. Simply combine 2 oz rum with 3/4 oz lime cordial (or Rose's sweetened lime juice), shake over ice and strain into a coupe glass. 

Devil's Haircut (Barber Road)

The addition of muddled peppercorns gives this drink a bit of a kick! Muddle 3 or 4 black peppercorns in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, then add ice and 2 o gin, 1/2 oz simple syrup, 1/2 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz orange curacao, and 1 oz grapefruit juice. Shake hard and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an edible flower, if desired. 

White Lady (White Abarrio)

Although White Abarrio is a colt, I don't think he'll mind being represented by a drink as timeless and classic as the White Lady. In a cocktail shaker WITHOUT ICE, combine 2 parts gin, 1 part triple sec, scant 1 part lemon juice, and half an egg white and shake for about 20 seconds to emulsify the egg white. Add ice to the shaker and shake until well chilled, then strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon. If you want to omit the egg white, there is no need to shake without ice first. 

Bowie Knife (Cyberknife)

I love any cocktail that adds carbonation, whether it's from sparkling wine or something in the tonic/seltzer family. In a shaker of ice, combine 1 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with sparkling brut rose and garnish with a twist of lemon. 

Causeway (Classic Causeway)

I found a number of variations of the Causeway Cocktail, but the simplest version seemed like the most classic. In a highball glass with ice, combine 2 oz Irish whiskey, 1 oz Drambuie, 1/4 oz lemon juice, 4 dashes angostura bitters, and 2 dashes orange bitters. Stir to combine, then top with ginger ale. Garnish with a sprig of mint, if desired. 

Port and Tonic (Tawny Port)

Port and tonic is classier, more colorful sibling of the G&T. Fill a glass with ice and add 1 part port to 2 parts tonic, then garnish with an orange wedge or twist and a sprig of mint. 

Cox's Daiquiri (Zozos)

Instead of looking to his pedigree, I looked to Zozos' trainer's name, Brad Cox, for inspiration on this cocktail. In a shaker of ice, combine 1-1/2 oz vanilla rum, 2/3 oz pineapple juice, 1/3 oz lime juice, and 1/3 oz vanilla syrup (or simple syrup with a dash of vanilla extract). Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. 

Ethereal (Ethereal Road)

This spring cocktail seems especially appropriate for a spring horse race. In a shaker over ice, combine 1-1/2 oz gin, 1 oz simple syrup, 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 2-3 dashes of angostura bitters. Pour into a highball glass with ice and garnish with a lemon slice or twist. 

So choose your cocktail according to your favorite horse, or choose your horse according to your favorite cocktail, but be sure to put on your favorite hat while you're sipping your cocktail and cheering on your horse!

Derby Cocktails, 2017

This Saturday is the Kentucky Derby, and you all know what that means: Big hats and mint juleps! But if mint juleps aren't your thing, or if you just want a little more variety, I have some suggestions for cocktails you might choose, based on the horse you're rooting for. (Note: Malagacy and Battalion Runner have scratched as of this writing, so I have not listed cocktails for them. Royal Mo is officially an alternate, but he has a cocktail just in case.)

The majority of these are bourbon-based because, well, it IS the KENTUCKY Derby, after all.

Classic Empire: The "classic" Old Fashioned

In an old-fashioned glass, combine 1 teaspoon simple syrup (or a sugar cube and a teaspoon of water), 2 dashes of bitters, and 2 ounces of bourbon. Add ice and stir. Squeeze a fresh orange peel over the drink a few times, then drop it in and add more ice and a maraschino cherry.

Always Dreaming: Two Left Feet (created by a bartender at Dream Baby, a bar in NY)

Pour 2 ounces bourbon and 3/4 ounces Domaine de Canton over ice in a glass and stir.

Irish War Cry: Man O'War

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. orange Curacao (or triple sec), 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth, and 1/2 oz. lemon juice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist and a brandied cherry.

Gunnevera: Peacock Martini (Gunnevera is owned by Peacock Racing Stables)

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine two parts vodka to one part blue Curacao. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a pineapple wedge and an orange twist. 

McCracken: White Empress (in honor of his dam, Ivory Empress)

In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 2 oz. light rum, 1 oz. St. Germain, and 1-1/2 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice. Shake and strain into a chilled glass.

Irap: Silk Road (in honor of his dam, Silken Cat)

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. orange juice, 1/2 oz. honey, a dash of Angostura bitters, and a dash of orange bitters (optional). Shake well and strain into a bucket glass with a single large ice cube. Garnish with orange peel.

Tapwrit: The Eclipse (in honor of one of his owners, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners)

Place a cherry in a chilled martini glass and cover with grenadine. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 oz. sloe gin, 1 oz. gin, and 1/2 oz. lemon juice. Shake well and strain into prepared glass.

Gormley: The JG (John Gormley)

In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 1-1/2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. simple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Thunder Snow: Cajun Thunder

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 1 oz. Southern Comfort, 1/2 oz. bourbon, and 1 dash Tabasco sauce. Shake and strain into a chilled shot glass.

Girvin: Yuletide Moon (in honor of his dam, Catch the Moon)

Muddle four cherries in a tall glass. Add 2-3 tablespoons orange juice, 1 oz. bourbon, 1-1/2 oz. merlot, and 1-2 teaspoons real maple syrup, and mix. Pour into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon peel and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Practical Joke: Lemon-Ginger Bourbon Fizz

Over ice in a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces bourbon and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Shake well and pour into chilled glass. Add 2 ounces ginger beer (or ginger ale) and 2 ounces club soda. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wedge or slice.

Conquest Mo Money: Gold Rush

In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 2 oz. bourbon, 3/4 oz. Domaine de Canton, and 1/2 oz. lemon juice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist.

J Boys Echo: The Jewel Mine (in honor of his sire, Mineshaft)

Pour 2 oz. bourbon, 3/4 oz. pomegranate liqueur, and 2 dashes bitters into a rocks glass. Add ice and top with a splash of tonic water. Garnish with a cucumber wheel.

Hence: The Derby (recipe courtesy of Calumet Bourbon, which may or may not have a connection to Hence's owner and breeder, Calumet Farm)

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 oz. bourbon, 3/4 oz. lime juice, 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth, and 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or a mint leaf.

Lookin at Lee: The Bee Stinger (because it feels as southern as Robert E. Lee)

Over ice in a cocktail shaker, combine 1-1/2 oz. bourbon, 3/4 oz. honey-flavored whiskey (Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Whiskey or Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur are both good choices; you can also use regular whiskey and a good dollop of honey), and 3/4 oz. Limoncello. Shake until cold, then pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a wedge of lemon.

State of Honor: Mint Julep (it IS the Kentucky state cocktail, after all)

Place about 10 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of an old fashioned glass and top with 1-1/2 teaspoons superfine sugar. Muddle together until the leaves start to break down. Add a splash of seltzer water and fill the glass halfway with ice, then add 2-1/2 oz. bourbon. Top with another splash of seltzer, stir, and garnish with additional mint leaves.

Cloud Computing: Cloud Nine Martini

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 1 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. amaretto, 1 oz. pineapple juice, a splash of grenadine, and a splash of 7-Up or Sprite. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Patch: The Briar Patch

In a cocktail shaker (without ice), combine 4 oz. gin, 1 oz. simple syrup, 2 teaspoons blackberry or raspberry jam, and two tablespoons lemon juice. Stir to break apart the jam, then add ice and shake vigorously. Pour into an old-fashioned glass with ice and garnish with a blackberry.

Battle of Midway: Fox River Cocktail (in honor of his owner, Fox Hill Farms)

In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 2 oz. bourbon, 1 tablespoon creme de cacao, and 4 dashes bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Sonneteer: A true martini (which, according to H.L. Mencken, is "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet.")

In a cocktail shaker of ice, combine 2 oz. gin, 1/2 oz. dry vermouth, and 1-2 dashes orange bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Squeeze a twist of lemon over the glass and add as a garnish.

Royal Mo: Kentucky Royale

In a cocktail shaker of ice, combine 1 oz. bourbon, 3/4 oz. Chambord, and 1/2 oz. lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass with ice. Top with a splash of ginger beer and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Untrapped: The Mousetrap

In a cocktail shaker of ice, combine 1-1/2 oz. dry sherry, 1 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, and 4 dashes cherry bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Fast and Accurate: Heidi's Comet (in honor of his dam, It's Heidi's Dance)

Fill a glass with ice and add equal parts vodka. amaretto, and apple cider, and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

So...are you choosing your cocktail based on your horse of choice, or your horse based on your cocktail of choice?