Each year for the Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve creates a limited edition $1000 Mint Julep Cup for collectors. The proceeds are donated to a charity associated with helping those involved in horse racing. More info on this years $1000 Mint Julep Cup and charity.

If you didn’t get a cup, you can still enjoy the Kentucky Derby in style with these cocktails from 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…