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Kentucky Derby 2015: Woodford Reserve cocktail recipes

By Will Osgood

May 3, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Race fans Leanne Bryan (left) , Valerie Alexander (middle) and Kackie Billman on a balcony above the paddock area before the 2014 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Race fans Leanne Bryan (left) , Valerie Alexander (middle) and Kackie Billman on a balcony above the paddock area before the 2014 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The mint julep isn’t the only option for a cocktail to enjoy while watching today’s Kentucky Derby. Here is another great option, the Woodford Reserve cocktail. 

Though the Kentucky Derby is most known its pageantry, big hats and sometimes (though rarely) its being the starting point for a Triple Crown, there are other sometimes less thought of tradition that accompany the tradition at Churchill Downs.

One is the mint julep cocktail, which we have recipes of on FanSided. But perhaps you’re not a huge bourbon, or mint, person. Or you may not like the thought of those two matched together.

Another option is the delightful Woodford Reserve cocktail, which, like the mint julep, can be easily altered to fit your preferences.

Here are just a few options to enjoy as you watch the run for the roses.

The Manhattan

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth (try Vya sweet vermouth in this cocktail)
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • splash of cherry juice
  • bourbon infused cherry for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add ingredients and shake well.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with a bourbon infused cherry.

Total Time: 2 minutes

Makes: 1 cocktail (double the recipe for more drinks, etc.)

And here are a few more, use them at your own peril.

Woodford Sour

A variation on the traditional whiskey sour, the Woodford sour is a delicious cocktail. Combine 1 ½ ounces of Woodford Reserve bourbon, 1 ½ ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of superfine sugar in a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.

New Old Fashioned

This fresh and fruity old fashioned offers a refreshing take on the classic favorite. In an old fashioned glass, muddle one slice of peach, 1 tablespoon of simple syrup and five dashes of bitters. Add 2 ½ ounces of Woodford Reserve bourbon, ice cubes and a splash of sparkling water. Stir to combine. Garnish with a blackberry and a fresh slice of peach.

Classic Manhattan

The manhattan has been winning fans since its introduction in the 1870s. While rye whiskey is the traditional choice for manhattans, bourbon has become a popular alternative and is often served as the default spirit. Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of Woodford Reserve, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth and two dashes of Angostura bitters and shake or stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.

So there you have it. Two great options for a Manhattan, one for a Woodford Sour and one for a New Old Fashioned.

Don’t try them all today. Or do. It’s up to you.

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