Woodford Reserve, the official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, is once again offering the $1000 Mint Julep and donating the proceeds to the Thoroughbred Charities of America.

This years 132 limited edition Julep Cups are plated with 24kt gold. The drink is made with some of the world’s finest ingredients; lush mint from Ireland, ultra-fine sugar from Australia, glacial ice from the Bavarian Alps and the Master Distiller’s selection of Woodford Reserve bourbon. The 132 cups are all unique, 11 feature triple crown winners, 2 derby legends and 109 of the other winners. What a way to enjoy the race.

For the rest of us here are a few derby cocktails to enjoy at home courtesy of Woodford Reserve.

Woodford Reserve Mint Julep

3-5 mint leaves
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
2 teaspoons water
2-2 ½ ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon
crushed ice

Muddle (stir/gentle crush) four mint springs and sugar in the bottom of a julep glass. Add water and continue to muddle. Add Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Pack the julep glass with crushed ice. Add a mint spring for decoration and sipping straw.

If a metal julep cup is used, be sure to use a wooden muddler (bottom of a wooden spoon) instead of a metal spoon. This will eliminate the possibility of any metal shavings getting into the drink or scratching the julep cup.

Woodford Reserve Thoroughbred Punch

2 cups unsweetened tea
1 cup sugar
1 (12 oz.) can frozen orange juice
1 (12 oz.) can frozen limeade
7 cups water
23 ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Mix all ingredients in large punch bowl. Ladle punch into a short glass over ice. Garnish with fresh orange wedge and a maraschino cherry. Makes one gallon of Woodford Reserve Thoroughbred Punch.

more derby drinks…

Related Articles:

• The Bourbon Trail
• Drink a mint julep, save a horse
• What is the difference between Whiskey and Bourbon?

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