BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH
The spring horse racing season has begun! Events like the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland and our very own Iroquois Steeplechase are happening, and what is a southern social event without the most divine cocktails? Even if a race lasts a mere two minutes, the celebrations last from dusk til dawn, so you will need a variety of drinks to sip on! Here are just a few options to make merry at the track! These recipes take a spin on the classic Mint Julep by opting for a refreshing and sweet tequila twist and so much more.
Horse’s Neck
Recipe courtesy of Allen Katz
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz bourbon, brandy or American rye whiskey
- Ginger ale, chilled, to top
- Garnish: lemon peel
DIRECTIONS
- Pour your choice of liquor.
- Top with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita
Recipe courtesy of Liquor.com
INGREDIENTS
- 5 blackberries
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 oz honey syrup
- 2 oz Añejo tequila
- Garnish: 2 blackberries & a mint sprig
DIRECTIONS
- Add the blackberries, mint leaves and honey syrup into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle.
- Add tequila, lime juice and ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a Julep cup filled with crushed ice.
- Serve in a silver julep cup and garnish with two speared blackberries and a mint sprig.
Kentucky Mule
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Ginger beer, to top
- Garnish: mint sprig
DIRECTIONS
- Add the bourbon and lime juice to a Moscow Mule mug or a highball glass.
- Fill the mug/glass with ice and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Southside Cocktail
Recipe courtesy of Geoffrey Zakarian
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz gin, such as Plymouth
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 1 sprig mint
- Garnish: 1 fresh mint leaf
- Specialty item: Chilled martini glass
DIRECTIONS
- Combine the gin, lime juice, simple syrup and mint sprig in a shaker. Add some ice cubes and shake vigorously–strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with one mint leaf, smacked to release the oils, floating on top of the cocktail.
