The week of the Kentucky Derby is one of the busiest of the year for horses, owners, jockeys, food vendors, and alcohol brands. It is truly a celebration rooted in heritage, sport, betting, and culinary indulgence that draws thousands of people to Louisville and Churchill Downs for five to ten days. While there is a truly wonderful adoption of the style, the horses, and the tourism explosion, the traditional cocktail world is one of the more prominent. If you are like me, you can overindulge to the point of needing a bit of a pivot halfway through. That is where Lynn House comes in. Instead of overdoing it on the mint julep, you should mix in a great alternative called the Fitz Mist, a bourbon-forward cocktail that is equally as refreshing. Did you think we were going to recommend a non-alcoholic option? It is Derby weekend after all.
No matter how you choose to enjoy the Fitz Mist, Old Fitzgerald’s Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old shines at the core of all three recipes, with a smooth, layered profile that is rich, yet approachable enough to appeal to all Derby Day viewers, from seasoned bourbon cocktail fans to those new to darker spirits. – Lynn House, Heaven Hill Spirits Specialist and In-House Mixologist
A great replacement for the mint julep
Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the julep. For me, showing up in Louisville, even on a non-race weekend, means you should be searching all over the city for the best mint julep you can find. Not having a julep while visiting Louisville would be like not having a slice of pizza while in The Big Apple. It is akin to not checking out a cheesesteak when you’re in the City of Brotherly Love.
That said, there are 24 hours in the day. That means there is plenty of room for expansion, and that means Lynn’s ideas are welcome for the guy who is ready for something new and different.
“The Mint Julep is the queen cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. I would never suggest that the crown be removed; however, like any recipe, there is room for interpretation and for a new recipe to enter the conversation. Hence the Fitz Mist, an equally refreshing alternative anchored in the legacy of Old Fitzgerald, that can be easily tailored depending on preference – whether that’s simple and spirit-forward with Bourbon over crushed ice and a citrus twist, or topped with citrus sparkling soda for a brighter, spritz-like feel. All three variations are great options for those seeking a bourbon cocktail beyond the julep that still honors the local legend, while also offering a modern twist.”
The key is the Old Fitzgerald Bourbon
When I was on the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, I discovered that I am a guy who loves a good story as much as a good flavor when it comes to bourbon. I may be that way about watches, apparel brands, and virtually everything else as well. If you ever get the chance to do a deep dive, or even better, a tour of the distillery at Heaven Hill, you can hear the fascinating story of the “Whiskey Thief” John E. Fitzgerald. It is what sets the bourbon apart for me, and it remains a favorite to this day. Endeared by a great story and maintained by a great flavor. But I asked Lynn about what sets them apart, and her response is deep with the brand’s ethos.
“What also sets Old Fitzgerald apart from other Bourbons on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is its deep-rooted connection to hospitality. From its iconic “key to hospitality” tagline to the liquid within its bottles that invites you to slow down, savor, and share life’s simple pleasures – it’s the perfect Bourbon for celebrating and raising a glass with friends at Derby watch parties and beyond.”
Recipes to try this weekend
As the G.I. Joes always said, “Knowing is half the battle.” That means we gotta put this new knowledge into action by making some great Old Fitz cocktails this weekend. And, of course, Lynn wouldn’t let us go without giving us her three favorite Fitz Mist recipes.
Original
Pack snifter or old fashioned glass with crushed ice,
2 oz Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old, and garnish with a twist of lemon
Orange Twist
Pack snifter or an old-fashioned glass with crushed ice,
2 oz Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old, and garnish with an orange peel
Fitz Mist Spritz
2.0 oz Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old
3 oz citrus sparkling soda or water of your choice
Serve tall in a Collins glass over ice, garnish with a citrus slice and mint
