We’ve been really forcing Spring in Kentucky lately with some crazy unpredictable weather, but horse racing definitely ushers in the season. We’re about to wrap the Keeneland season here in Lexington, but Derby festivities have just kicked off in Louisville. I don’t drink much anymore, so when I do, you know it’s going to be a special treat. I’ve been wrestling with some recipe options for fun and refreshing cocktails. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to most of the cute and fun drinks laden with fruit gracing bar menus. My original recipe combines some of my favorite things: bourbon + the few fruits I can eat! I settled on calling this festive drink a mule, but I think it really covers the grounds for a southern margarita and dabbles with Kentucky sangria. Try out this festive adult beverage then check out some of the other KY gals top Derby suggestions linked below.
What You’ll Need:
- Your favorite bourbon (I chose Bulleit – my all-time affordable favorite)
- 2 fresh limes (one for squeezing, the other for styling)
- Your favorite ginger beer (I picked up these cute mini bottles of Fever Tree at Target)
- A fresh pomegranate (Or a cup of seeds if they’re not yet in season like Kentucky)
- A cup of sugar
- Pomegranate juice (Pom Wonderful is a great brand that makes a teeny bottle if you aren’t serving a crowd)
- Large ice cube tray (I love our silicon cube one – perfect for bourbon glasses)
- Your favorite cocktail glass (You can pick up my cute one at KY Girl in Lexington)
Preparation Directions:
- I’m all for modest estimates in cocktail prep, but here are some general ratios to follow: 1 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. pomegranate juice, 1 tablespoon simple syrup, 4 oz. ginger beer, juice of half of lime.
- Prepare your simple syrup by boiling half a cup of sugar and half a cup of water until dissolved and begins to congeal when cooling.
- With the other half of the lime not being squeezed in your cocktail, line the rim of the glass with juice.
- Dip the rim of the glass into the remaining sugar spread out on a plate to coat the top.
- Combine all parts in cocktail glass of your choice.
- Add ice cube and fresh pomegranate seeds.
- Add a slice of the second lime to the glass rim.
- Stir with biodegradable straws such as these from Meijer before drinking!
Check out what other Bluegrass bloggers have to offer this Kentucky Derby season!
Where to Celebrate the Derby in Lexington | Lex Eats
Plus Size Derby & Oaks Style | Authentically Emmie
The History of the Kentucky Derby + Kentucky Derby Facts | Fabulous in Fayette
Oaks & Derby Looks from Amazon | Munchkins and the Military
How to Throw the Best Derby Party | The Bliss Between
Affordable Places to Experience Derby | Loud Girl Big World
Horse Cupcakes with Bourbon Icing | Kentucky Girl Ramblings
Derby Cocktail | House Three Thirty Six
Beers for Bourbon Lovers | Love Me Brew
Advice to Survive Derby Week from a Multiple Derby Attendee | Dog Lady Horse Crazy
Derby Party Appetizers | Fashion, Frappes & Felines
Derby Recipe | Bourbon & Lipstick
How to Dress for the Derby | Styled in Blue
Vineyard Vines Run for the Roses Scarf Benefiting Norton Cancer Institute | HerKentucky
Affordable Derby Outfit | Same McKenna
