Kentucky Derby Drink Recipes, If You’re Sick Of Mint Juleps

Earlier this week, we discussed how to make the Kentucky Derby’s signature drink, the mint julep. Don’t misunderstand, however: Louisville is one of the most established drinking towns in America, and there are plenty of other bourbon-centric drink recipes to go around.

Once again, I’m enlisting the help of my brother Kevin. Kevin is a bartender at Ramsi’s Cafe on the World in Louisville who will lead us on the road to becoming a disheveled rain-sopped drunkard of no use to society. Fun! Here are three recipes he suggested:

Classic Manhattan

Ingredients:
Bourbon (preferably something spicier or on the dry side. Old Forester, Basil Hayden, or Booker’s would do nicely here.)
Sweet vermouth
Angostura bitters
Cherry for garnish

Most prefer a 2:1 ratio of bourbon to vermouth, though Kevin recommends 3:1. This can be served either up or on the rocks. Combine all ingredients in a martini glass, giving it one toss into a shaker or other glass before serving.

Hunter S.

Ingredients:
Wild Turkey 101
Dry vermouth
Grand Marnier

This drink, of course, takes its name from Louisville’s Hunter S. Thompson. It’s the invention of James Gunnoe, owner of the Nachbar. Kevin recommends a 3:1 ratio of Wild Turkey to Grand Marnier, and a half-ounce of dry vermouth. Drink it slow, y’all.

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:
Bourbon
Sweet vermouth
Table sugar
Slice of orange
Maraschino cherry
Bitters
Soda water (optional)

Kevin doesn’t like this drink himself, but it’s not a bad choice if you’re looking to put on airs. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, gently mash the cherry, orange, and sugar. Add the bourbon, then a dash of bitters, then vermouth. Kevin recommends a 3:1 bourbon-to-vermouth ratio. Serve this on the rocks, and if desired, use a little soda water to thin it out.