Cocktail Recipes for the Kentucky Derby

The countdown for the Kentucky Derby is on! It’s cocktail time. There is no doubt the weekend will be filled with a plethora of Mint Juleps, but why not break out of the traditional Derby cocktail mold and try something new!

We have several cocktail recipes to add to your menu. Our first is courtesy of Chef Bobby Flay. He’s mixing up his signature Blood Orange Mimosa as the best boozy alternative to the traditional mint julep to enjoy while watching the races.

A longtime horseracing fan and a frequent fixture at high-profile industry events such as the Kentucky Derby, Bobby Flay hosts the annual Sentient Jet Derby Day Breakfast, the most luxurious way to kick off the races. Each year, he curates a special menu for the event that boasts the finest Kentucky-inspired fare, but it is his Blood Orange Mimosa cocktail that often steals the show.

Bobby Flay’s Blood Orange Mimosa

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blood orange juice
• 4 teaspoons Campari
• 1 bottle of very cold Champagne, Prosecco or sparkling wine
• Thinly sliced oranges, for garnish
• Mint sprigs, for garnish

Technique:

• Place four Champagne flutes in the freezer at least 15 minutes before serving drinks
• Remove flutes from the freezer and divide the orange juice and Campari among the four glasses
• Fill the glasses to the top with Champagne
• Garnish with orange slice and mint sprigs, if desired

If Compari and bubbles don’t float your boat, why not grab your best hat and bottle of Finlandia the official Vodka of the Derby.

Finlandia has created a number of exciting and delicious cocktails such as The Finlandia Oaks Lily (Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby) and the Finnish Line to celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports. Whether you’re in attendance or at home watching on the big-screen, everyone can be a part of the fun with Finlandia drinks!

The Finlandia Oaks Lily® (Official Vodka Cocktail of The Kentucky Derby)

1 ¼ oz. Finlandia Classic Vodka

1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix

¼ oz. Triple Sec

3 oz. Cranberry Juice

Combine ingredients over crushed ice in glass. Garnish with a fresh blackberry and lemon peel.

The Finnish Line

1 ¼ oz. Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka

4 oz. Sparkling Grapefruit Water

Grapefruit Slice

Combine ingredients over crushed ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Off to the races!