How to Create a Julep Bar for Derby Day

It should come as no surprise that I'm a huge fan of the classic mint julep. After all, I did name my first child Julep.

Being born on Derby Day and having deep family ties in Kentucky, it's only natural that I make, not only an occasion, but a holiday, out of the festivities that happen that first Saturday every May. Ryan and I host a party each year, in honor of my birthday and Derby Day combined. This year will be no different! We've run the gamut from going all-out with letterpress invites requesting everyone show up in proper Derby attire, to laid back couch-sitting with a couple friends, all watching the race. The jury is still out on how we'll handle my 28th birthday and the 143rd Run for the Roses, but my gut is telling me it'll be somewhere in between. In any case, I'll have to decide soon because we're about two weeks out!

If you are planning any kind of party for the Kentucky Derby this year, I've got some tips to share, as well as the perfect treat for your guests!

We did this a few years ago and it was a huge hit -- a julep bar! It's so great because if anyone isn't a fan of the traditional mint version, they're sure to find a concoction they can sip on without hesitation. I've created three different types of juleps, all of which are refreshing, herbal, and dangerously delicious.

A julep is a classic, basic cocktail just like a margarita, and it can be infused with different flavors, the same way a margarita can, and still be considered a julep. The basis for the cocktail is a 2:1 ratio of bourbon to syrup, stirred in a glass full of crushed ice. You don't have to use mint, if that's not your thing. The three recipes I'll share below all include an infused simple syrup and bourbon, just as a mint julep would, but the mint is swapped out for other fresh herbs and fruit infusions, giving them unique flavors that suit all kinds of palates.

Before we get to the recipes, here are some of my favorite ways to make your Derby party accessible and extra special!

1. Buy crushed ice at Sonic.

The perfect mint julep is made with crushed ice. My suggestion, even if you're just planning on having a few friends over, is to buy a bag. Sonic sells their perfectly nugget-y crunchy ice in bags for around $2. This takes less effort than crushing it, yourself, and is totally worth the trip. You can even buy the ice in advance and keep it in your freezer.

2. Use inexpensive bourbon. When we're entertaining a crowd, especially on an occasion like Derby Day when the only drink we plan to provide is bourbon, we opt for one in an accessible price point. My go-to is Evan Williams Black Label because it's a great bourbon for the price. A fifth runs about $14 at the grocery store.

3. Find vintage Derby glasses.

This is totally going above and beyond, but Derby glasses are about a dime a dozen at antiques stores and can be used year after year. I love to pair them with red and white stripey paper straws to be even more theme-y. All these little touches can make even a low-key get together that much more special.

4. Make it fool-proof.

Decorate your Derby Bar with signage that instructs your guests on how to mix up their own drink (so you aren't playing bartender all afternoon). Click here to download my calligraphy sign in the pictures for free!

5. Play yard games.

I don't know what goes better with an afternoon of horse racing and bourbon drinking than yard games. If the weather is nice enough, break out the Horseshoe, bocce ball, cornhole, beer pong and croquet.

6. Turn on the pre-race coverage.

The actual Kentucky Derby race may start at 5pm, but there are other races happening on that day that will get you hyped up for the main event. The pre-race coverage is a great place to get the backstory on all the horses, as well as the the racing gossip and namesakes that may influence your pick for the winner (I mean, isn't that how we all choose our horse?) It's also so much fun to see everyone in their hats, argyle, and snazzy, preppy best.

To create a Julep Bar, simply make all three simple syrup infusions, and decant them into carafes that are labeled with the contents. Next to each one, place a cup filled with extra of the herb used in the infusion, for muddling and garnishing. Then add a bottle of bourbon, mixing instructions, glasses, straws, ice and a bar spoon!

RECIPES

Julep Base Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Infused simple syrup (see recipes below)

Sprig of fresh herbs (basil, rosemary or lemongrass, depending on which syrup you choose)

1.5 oz Bourbon

Dash of bitters (we used peach bitters in the peach and basil version and it was amazing. Otherwise, aromatic or angostura bitters are great)

Crushed ice

Directions:

Fill a Derby glass with crushed ice.

Add 1.5 oz syrup.

Add 1.5 oz bourbon.

Stir in a circle 30-40 times, turning the ice but not disturbing it too much, until the outside of the glass is frosty.

Top the glass with fresh, crushed ice.

Garnish with a sprig of the same herb used in your chosen infused simple syrup and a dash of angostura bitters.

Peach - Basil Syrup

Ingredients:

1 Cup Water

1 Cup Basil leaves

1 1/2 Cups Peach slices (leave the skin on - it'll give a nice color to your syrup)

1/2 Cup Sugar

Pineapple - Lemon Grass Syrup

Ingredients:

1 Cup Water

1 Large stalk of lemongrass (hit it several times with the back of your knife to break it open)

1 1/2 Cups Fresh pineapple chunks

1/2 Cup Sugar

Blood Orange - Rosemary Syrup

Ingredients:

1 Cup Water

4 Sprigs of rosemary

Juice from 2 blood oranges

4 Pieces of blood orange peel (be careful NOT to include the white pith, or the syrup will become bitter)

1/2 Cup Sugar

Classic Mint Syurp

Ingredients:

1 Cup Water

1 Cup Mint leaves

1 Cup Sugar

Directions (for all syrups):

Bring the water, sugar, and fruit to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer one minute more. Remove from heat, and add in the herbs. Allow to steep about 30 minutes.

Strain through a fine mesh sieve into separate air-tight lidded decanters or mason jars.

Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.