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Derby Day at home: How to make your favorite cocktails from Churchill Downs

derby cocktails
derby cocktails
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Updated: 12:06 PM EDT May 2, 2026
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Derby Day at home: How to make your favorite cocktails from Churchill Downs
WLKY logo
Updated: 12:06 PM EDT May 2, 2026
Editorial Standards
If you're watching the 152nd Kentucky Derby from home, then consider this your official invitation to turn your living room into Churchill Downs. All you need to do is grab a front-row seat on the couch, kick your feet up and enjoy one of your favorite Derby cocktails. Down below you'll find recipes for classic Mint Julep, Oaks Lily and the Spire.Please drink responsibly.Mint JulepIt wouldn't be Derby Day without a Mint Julep in hand. It's a simple and refreshing drink that's been a Kentucky staple since the 18th century. Plus, it's really easy to put together.Ingredients2 oz. Bourbon1/2 oz. Simple Syrup3 Fresh Mint LeavesCrushed IceHow to make itExpress the essential oils in the mint.You can do this by laying a sprig of mint on your hands and clapping them together.Rub the oils inside a glass of your choice.Add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice to the glass as well.StirGarnish with more ice and fresh mint.Oaks LilyIf you're looking for something fruitier— look no further than the Oaks Lily. It's bright, refreshing and offers up a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the julep. Ingredients1 part Vodka1 part Sweet and Sour Mix1/4 part Triple Sec3 parts Cranberry JuiceCrushed iceHow to make itFill a glass of your choice with crushed ice.Add the ingredients to the glass.Stir.Garnish with blackberries and a lemon wedge.The SpireOut of the three drinks we've listed, The Spire is arguably the easiest to make. Just put everything in your glass, and you're all set.Ingredients1.5 oz. Bourbon2 oz. Lemonade1 oz. Cranberry JuiceLemon TwistHow to make itFill a glass of your choice with crushed ice.Add the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice to the glass.Stir.Garnish with lemon peel. Now that you've got your drink ready, all that's left to do is sit back and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports. Happy Derby, everyone!

If you're watching the 152nd Kentucky Derby from home, then consider this your official invitation to turn your living room into Churchill Downs. All you need to do is grab a front-row seat on the couch, kick your feet up and enjoy one of your favorite Derby cocktails. Down below you'll find recipes for classic Mint Julep, Oaks Lily and the Spire.

Please drink responsibly.

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Mint Julep

It wouldn't be Derby Day without a Mint Julep in hand. It's a simple and refreshing drink that's been a Kentucky staple since the 18th century. Plus, it's really easy to put together.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. Bourbon
  • 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 3 Fresh Mint Leaves
  • Crushed Ice

How to make it

  1. Express the essential oils in the mint.
    • You can do this by laying a sprig of mint on your hands and clapping them together.
  2. Rub the oils inside a glass of your choice.
  3. Add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice to the glass as well.
  4. Stir
  5. Garnish with more ice and fresh mint.
mint julep
AP

Oaks Lily

If you're looking for something fruitier— look no further than the Oaks Lily. It's bright, refreshing and offers up a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the julep.

Ingredients

  • 1 part Vodka
  • 1 part Sweet and Sour Mix
  • 1/4 part Triple Sec
  • 3 parts Cranberry Juice
  • Crushed ice

How to make it

  1. Fill a glass of your choice with crushed ice.
  2. Add the ingredients to the glass.
  3. Stir.
  4. Garnish with blackberries and a lemon wedge.
oaks lily
AP

The Spire

Out of the three drinks we've listed, The Spire is arguably the easiest to make. Just put everything in your glass, and you're all set.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz. Bourbon
  • 2 oz. Lemonade
  • 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
  • Lemon Twist

How to make it

  1. Fill a glass of your choice with crushed ice.
  2. Add the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice to the glass.
  3. Stir.
  4. Garnish with lemon peel.

the spire
Getty Images


Now that you've got your drink ready, all that's left to do is sit back and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports. Happy Derby, everyone!

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