13 Kentucky Derby Cocktails for All-Day Revelry 

• By WineBottleMag
• April 14, 2025
• AllDay Cocktails Derby Kentucky Revelry
• With 0 comments

The actual Kentucky Derby race only lasts two minutes, but the festivities can extend for days, fueled by May sunshine and bourbon cocktails. No drink is more emblematic of the sporting event than the mint julep, a spectacularly refreshing sipper made with bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup and—crucially—a generous pile of crushed ice. But there are plenty of other day drinking-friendly cocktails that will make your Derby party a smash (including the smash). Read on for 13 delicious cocktails that will have you off to the races.

Mint Julep

Of course, we had to start with the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby: the mint julep. Aromatic with fresh mint and served in a classic julep cup, the classic cocktail is the ideal springtime sipper. (While it was adopted as the Kentucky Derby’s official drink in 1939, the bourbon drink’s fascinating history dates back to ancient Persia.) 

Low-Proof Mint Julep

If you’re planning on drinking all day  lower-proof cocktails are your best bet. Riffing on the Argentinian style of julep, this low-proof mint julep swaps in cynar, a not-too-strong Italian amaro made with artichoke, for the bourbon. 

The Pearl Julep Cocktail

Oyster shell-infused bourbon makes for a fun variation on the classic mint julep. Preparing mint syrup from scratch takes a bit more time than muddling, but the payoff is worth it in this Pearl Julep.

Whiskey Smash

The refreshing whiskey smash, typically made with bourbon, is the spiritual cousin of the julep, with fresh lemon juice added to the mix. As Jorge Centeno, chief spirits officer at Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, Illinois put it to us, you get a whiskey smash “if you take the best part of a mint julep and a whisky sour and smash it together.”  

Pomegranate Julep

Served in a pretty little coupe glass, this pink riff on the classic gets a hit of tartness from fresh pomegranate juice. The Pomegranate Julep is colorful, refreshing and perfect for garden parties.   

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Sassy Southern Belle

Anything served in a julep cup is instantly Derby-appropriate, so this fruity NA cocktail is a festive choice for non-drinkers. Made with peach puree, mint tea-infused syrup and Fre alcohol-removed brut, the Sassy Southern Belle gives off bellini vibes, in the best way.  

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

While the smash cocktail dates back to at least the 1840s, they always feel fresh and exciting to drink—in part because they’re endlessly riffable. This juicy blackberry bourbon smash is a striking purple color thanks to sweet muddled blackberries. 

Gin Basil Smash

It may be sacrilege to propose a non-bourbon cocktail, but we can’t resist this herbaceous gin basil smash. Aussie bartender and distiller Steven Roennfeldt, who created the recipe, recommends opting for a gin with savory tones (or, adding a couple dashes of celery bitters).

Kentucky Mule

This highball drink, made with bourbon, ginger beer and lime juice, is a citrusy, slightly earthy delight. The Kentucky Mule tastes best in a copper mug, of course. 

Cucumber Mint Lemonade

Another excellent NA alternative to the mint julep? This refreshing cucumber mint lemonade, which looks adorable in a Mason jar. To booze it up, add 1 ½ ounces of bourbon. 

Mississippi Bourbon Punch

If you’re hosting your own Derby party, go with big-batch cocktails, like this fresh and fruity Mississippi Bourbon Punch, which gets a hint of effervescence from club soda. The grenadine-spiked punch calls for two bottles of dry white wine—ideally Chardonnay or Rhône/Languedoc blends. 

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Hugo Spritz

May is the unofficial start of spritz season, and what better way to celebrate than with a floral, mint-forward Hugo Spritz? The mint keeps it on theme for the Derby, and the lower abv is much appreciated for day drinking. 

Whiskey Sour Slush

This frozen, bourbon-forward riff on a whiskey sour comes together so quickly, thanks to frozen lemonade concentrate and frozen orange juice concentrate, which makes it ideal for batching. To level up your Whiskey Sour Slush, and turn it into a New York Sour slush, prepare the homemade red wine syrup. 

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More Cocktail Coverage

• Looking for more inspiration? Any of these light springtime libations would be welcome at a Derby party.
• Plenty of sports events have their own cocktails, not just the Derby. Try the (unofficial) cocktail of the Masters Tournament: the Azalea.
• We’ve rounded up the very best margarita recipes for every palate. 
• Light, crisp and refreshing, Prosecco cocktails continue to trend.

The post 13 Kentucky Derby Cocktails for All-Day Revelry  appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

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