3 CLASSIC DERBY DAY COCKTAILS TO DRINK RIGHT NOW

2 oz Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
1 tbsp of simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
6 fresh thyme sprigs (one for garnish)

Muddle fresh thyme in a rocks glass. Combine remaining ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold. Fine strain into the rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a toasted thyme sprig!

2. THE KENTUCKY GAMBLER PUNCH 

This refreshing drink is meant to be shared amongst friends and is the perfect way to kick off derby weekend! 

WHAT YOU NEED: 

1 bottle of Woodford Reserve
2 liters of freshly brewed tea
1/2 cup of sugar
15 lemons
15 sprigs of mint
1 large punch bowl

HOW TO MAKE IT: 

First, peel the lemons (avoiding as much of the pit as possible). Place the peels into the punch bowl with the sugar and then juice the lemons. Pick the leaves of 10 sprigs of mint and place into the punch bowl with the lemon peel. Add brewed tea into the punch bowl with lemon peel, sugar, mint and lemon juice and mix well. Allow mixture to cool then add ice and bourbon. Serve garnished with mint.

3. THE LOW COUNTRY MAI-TAI

Packed with traditional southern booze and flavours, this recipe is a derby day take on a traditional tiki drink!

WHAT YOU NEED: 

1 oz. Virgil Kane Rye
1/2 oz. Cruzan Black Strap 
1/4 oz. C&K Citrus Absinthe
1/4 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. Maple Pecan Orgeat
1/2 oz. lemon juice
2 dashes of Angostura

Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and whip together for 60 seconds. Serve in a tin cup over pebble ice and garnish with lime husk and mint crown!