Skip to main content

Let it ride with these tasty Kentucky Derby drinks

By Matt Domino Apr 23, 2015 4:41 PM

There is no surer sign that spring is in full swing than the Kentucky Derby. Whether you are a true horse racing fan, a Kentucky native, or just someone who likes to wear fancy hats, the full-fledged pageantry of the first leg of the Triple Crown is an excellent way to celebrate the spread of warm weather all over the country. While you’re celebrating, why not mix yourself and your friends a few Kentucky Derby drinks?

For most people, making the pilgrimage to Churchill Downs on May 2 is probably out of the question; but as we all well know, Kentucky Derby parties take place in cities throughout the United States. In New York City, restaurant and bar American Whiskey is throwing a 2015 American Whiskey Derby.

RELATED: The Pride of the Preakness Stakes

Recommended Videos

The restaurant will be broken up into four different sections to represent particular makes of whiskey, with each section featuring signature cocktails specially made for the event. Guests can vote on their favorite Kentucky Derby drinks, and at the end of the day, an American Whiskey Derby 2015 Champion will be crowned.

We all know that the Mint Julep is the trademark drink of the Kentucky Derby (and here at The Manual we’ve already given you plenty of tips on how to make the perfect one of those), so we had the American Whiskey provide us with two signature recipes that will be served up at the American Whiskey Derby. Just follow the simple steps below and you can add a welcome twist to whatever festivities you find yourself participating in this Derby Day.

Cynar Julep

Recipe courtesy of Wild Turkey

1 1/2 oz. Cynar
3/4 oz. Wild Turkey 101
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
12 Mint Leaves
2 oz. Soda Water
2 Dashes Fee Brother’s Grapefruit Bitters

DIRECTIONS: In a tall glass, add mint and all ingredients except soda water and bitters. Gently muddle; add ice, soda and top with bitters.

Millionaire’s Row

Recipe courtesy of Jessica Duré

2 oz Basil Hayden
0.5 oz Amaro Lucano
0.5 oz Rose Syrup
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
1.5 oz Great South Bay Blood Orange Pale Ale

DIRECTIONS: Combine all except the pale ale. Drop in 2 wheels of fresh blood orange and shake vigorously. Before straining, add pale ale and strain all into a glass over a couple cubes of fresh ice. Garnish with a blood orange peel.

Matt Domino is a writer living in Brooklyn. His fiction has appeared in Slice and The Montreal Review, while his non-fiction… Read Full Bio

New tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels celebrates two UNESCO-recognized Mexican traditions

Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor

A new limited-edition tequila is bringing together two of Mexico’s most celebrated cultural traditions in a single bottle. Reserva de la Familia, the luxury tequila brand from Jose Cuervo, has unveiled Private Cask Collection Edition No. 2: Mole Cask, the first tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels.

The release highlights the deep connection between Mexico’s culinary and distilling heritage. The tequila begins its journey in the agave fields surrounding Tequila, Jalisco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its historic agave landscape and tequila production. It is then finished in barrels seasoned with mole, one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes and part of the country’s UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of traditional cuisine.

Old Overholt’s newest cask-strength rye is its boldest yet

Alcohol, Liquor, Whiskey

Old Overholt, the rye whiskey brand owned by Beam Suntory, just released the 2026 edition of its Extra Aged Cask Strength rye — and it’s the strongest bottle the series has ever put out.

This is the fourth annual release in the Extra Aged Cask Strength line, an offshoot Old Overholt started a few years back to showcase its rye at full cask strength.

JetBlue unveils new Mint menus from Crown Shy and Birdee

JetBlue

Love flying JetBlue? JetBlue just unveiled the first menus from its newest Mint® culinary partners – Crown Shy and Birdee – available online now and across select domestic and transatlantic Mint routes starting now. Developed in collaboration with Kent Hospitality Group, the new menus from New York City eateries Crown Shy and Birdee build on JetBlue’s distinctive approach to hospitality, this new collab brings new flavors on board. JetBlue is known for its premium Mint experience, feartuing an award-winning business class that features lie-flat seats & suites, exclusive perks & amenities, and of course, premium dining paired with complimentary drinks. This new collab will bring new flavors of New York’s favorite restaurants on board.

“The best part of any new Mint menu is seeing it come to life onboard,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president of marketing and brand, JetBlue. “Our teams worked closely with the talented chefs at Crown Shy and Birdee to thoughtfully adapt their dishes for the onboard experience. We’re excited for customers to enjoy menus that bring two of New York’s most exciting restaurants to their next Mint flight.”