Cinco de Derby Cocktails
Every once in awhile, two incredible events fall on the same weekend. That weekend is now and it’s time to celebrate the mega-event of Cinco de Derb
A weekend this incredible deserves elevated cocktails. Try these three recipes created by our resident cocktail expert and wine curator Nicole, for an incredibly delicious weekend.
Strawberry Basil Margarita
What You’ll Need
1/2 pint fresh strawberries
1/2 cup blanco tequila
1.5 oz Cointreau
1 lime juiced (about an ounce)
1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
2-3 basil sprigs
Ice
Kosher salt
What To Do
Pour salt onto a small side plate. Rub the juiced lime rind around the edge of two rocks glasses, then dip each glass into the plate of salt to rim the edges. Fill each glass with crushed ice or several ice cubes.
Place the strawberries, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and honey into a blender. Blend thoroughly on high until the strawberries are pulverized. Finely chop the basil and place into the bottom of a decanter or cocktail shaker. Muddle the basil to release the flavors and oils. Pour the blended margarita ingredients into the decanter along with the muddled basil and stir vigorously to incorporate. Pour into salted, iced glasses and serve immediately.
Spicy Chil-antro Margarita
What You’ll Need
1/3 cup cilantro
3 limes
1/2 cup mezcal
1.5 ounces Cointreau
1 tbs agave or to taste
1/4 course salt
1 tbsp Smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne
What To Do
Pour salt onto a small side plate and add smoked paprika and chili powder and mix until blended. Rub the juiced lime rind around the edge of two rocks glasses, then dip each glass into the plate of salt and spices to rim the edges. Fill each glass with crushed ice or several ice cubes.
Cut up lime into quarters and place with cilantro, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave into a blender – blend thoroughly on high. Pour into salted, iced glasses and serve immediately.
Mezcal Negroni
What You’ll Need
1 oz mezcal
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz Amaro
Orange twist, for garnish
What To Do
Combine liquid ingredients in mixing glass three-quarters filled with ice. Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Squeeze the orange twist over the surface, then slip it into the drink. Alternately, this drink can be served in a rocks glass over ice, also with an orange twist.
Mint Julep (recipe provided by Woodford Reserve)
What You’ll Need
2 oz Woodford Reserve
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
What to Do
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with more ice and fresh mint.