With the Kentucky Derby almost upon us, it's time to break out our julep cups, crush some ice and mix up some awesome cocktails so we forget how silly those women look wearing their derby hats!
Basil Hayden’s® High Stakes Julep
Created by Marie Zahn (Louisville, KY)
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Basil Hayden's ® Bourbon
- 1 bar spoon Apricot Jelly or Preserves
- 10 Mint Leaves
Method:
- Add 8 mint leaves to a glass and lightly press with the back of a bar spoon.
- Add Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, apricot jelly and crushed ice into the glass.
- Swizzle briefly and add more crushed ice until it is mounding over the top of the glass.
- Add a straw and garnish with additional sprigs of mint.
Knob Creek® Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 1½ parts Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon
- 2 bunches mint
- 1 part simple syrup* (see below)
- 1 splash soda
Method:
- Mix sprigs of mint with simple syrup and splash of soda.
- Fill julep cup with fine crushed ice and pour in bourbon.
- Lift out and decorate with two mint leaves.
- Add powdered sugar over mint to add an optional frosted appearance.
*Simple Syrup Recipe
- Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Allow to cool before using in cocktail.
Guys Trip Ideas In Kentucky
ManTripping: Men's Travel and Lifestyle Blog for busy men who love to travel.
The Trail Less Traveled - An Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Tour
A guided Kentucky bourbon tour with up to 5 handpicked distilleries and exclusive tastings, perfect for travelers seeking authentic local experiences.
Bourbon Tour (03) : Buffalo Trace, Woodford, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Other
Visit three Kentucky bourbon distilleries of your choice for tours and tastings. A guided day out for whiskey fans aged 21 and over.
14 Reasons Kentucky Bourbon Country Should Be Your Next Guys Weekend
Kentucky bourbon country goes beyond the tasting room. 14 guys trip ideas from Whiskey Row crawls and barrel picks to Derby weekend and Lake Cumberland houseboats.
Craft Bourbon Trail: Kentucky’s Hidden Distilleries Experience
A private craft bourbon tour visiting three or more curated Kentucky distilleries with lunch, ideal for travelers seeking a premium, personalized experience.
Promoted by FlowAds
Windy City Julep
Recipe by Renowned Chicago Bartender, Adam Seger
Ingredients:
- 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
- 6 oz. chilled Chicago Green River Pre-Prohibition Soda
- Generous bouquet of slapped fresh mint
Preparation:
Fill a julep cup with ice cubes to chill. Fill a clean towel with ice and smash the crap out of it to crush the ice. Discard the ice cubes from the cup and fill with the crushed ice. Fill cup 3/4 full with Chilled Chicago Green River Pre-Prohibition Soda. Top with Bulleit Bourbon and a generous bouquet of slapped mint. The carbonation will naturally rise since the bourbon is heavier and the drink will naturally mix. Cut your straw short so you smell the mint. (Optionally add a splash of maple syrup if you prefer your julep sweeter.)
Man Gear Pick of the Month
Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill
Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one.
August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00 
July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99 
June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98 Promoted by FlowAds
The Queen's Julep
Recipe by Punch Room Head Mixologist Bob Peters
Ingredients:
- 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
- 0.5 oz. simple syrup
- 0.5 oz. Fernet Branca Menta
- 8 fresh mint leaves, muddled
Muddle mint leaves in a shaker. Pour Bulleit Bourbon, simple syrup and Fernet Branca Menta into shaker with ice and shake. Double strain and pour over crushed ice in a julep cup. Garnish with fresh mint sprig.
Modern Mint Julep
Recipe adapted by King Cocktail Dale DeGroff
Ingredients:
- 1.33 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
- 0.75 oz. simple syrup or 1 tsp. sugar
- 4 fresh mint leaves and a sprig of mint (use tender, young sprigs which last longer and look better)
Preparation:
Prepare some very cold, very dry powdered ice by crushing chunks of ice inside a canvas ice bag. Bruise the mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup with simple syrup or sugar. Add ice to the three quarter mark and add half of the bourbon. Stir to chill the julep cup. Top off with more powdered ice and the remaining bourbon. Continue to stir until the outside of the cup begins to freeze. Garnish with the mint sprig and set aside to rest while the julep cup freezes over on the outside. Pick up carefully to imbibe.