Kentucky Derby bourbon drinks are all the rage this season, but we've got love for all kinds of cocktails.
27 Cocktails to Sip On While You Watch the Kentucky Derby
Updated on Aug. 21, 2024
1/27
Mint Julep
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 cups syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
It wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 197 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
2/27
Black-Eyed Susan
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 242 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
3/27
Rubies on Ice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 148 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
4/27
Mixed Berry Sangria
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 134 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
5/27
Blackberry Beer Cocktail
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
6/27
Spiked Lemonade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 296 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/27
Dill Bloody Marys
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a nice level of pepper, and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 224 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 1613mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
8/27
Champagne Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 165 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
9/27
Vanilla Bean Fizz
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homemade vanilla bean syrup from our home economists fabulously flavors Champagne. The bubbly beverage is ideal for holidays throughout the year.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 137 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
10/27
Bourbon Slush
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings (6 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
At our parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/27
Black Russian
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Here are no-fuss black Russians that are smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 170 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
12/27
Cranberry-Orange Sangria
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Letting this sangria sit in the fridge overnight improves the fruitiness, making it the perfect make-ahead drink for a party. It’s also nice with a splash of brandy. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 263 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
13/27
Passion Fruit Hurricanes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 340 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
14/27
Pomegranate Cosmo
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Every soiree needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy a cozy evening with friends and still shake things up. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 209 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/27
Orange Dream Mimosas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings (4 cups frozen mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a “grown up” creamsicle beverage. For the kiddos, make a non-alcoholic version with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, sparkling cider, or ginger ale. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 138 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/27
Topsy-Turvy Sangria
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings (about 2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from a friend a few years ago. Perfect for relaxed get-togethers. it’s even better if you make it the night before and let the flavors steep. But watch out—it goes down easy. —Tracy Field, Bremerton, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 292 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/27
Champagne Punch
Total Time
5 min
Servings
16 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A blend of four fruit juices pairs well with bubbly champagne in this party-pleasing punch. A strawberry garnish adds a festive touch. —Amy Short, Lesage, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 101 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
18/27
Champagne Cocktail
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This amber champagne cocktail is a bubbly twist on the traditional old-fashioned. Try it with extra dry champagne. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 130 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
19/27
Pomegranate Martini
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Ring in the holidays with this crimson creation that sparkles with holiday cheer. The pomegranate martini is a smooth delight that's sure to be the talk of your get-togethers. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 153 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/27
Bloody Maria
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tequila, lime and jalapenos give the brunch classic a fresh Mexican twist.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WIsconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 122 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 525mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
21/27
Blueberry Thirst Quencher
Total Time
5 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first enjoyed this cocktail at a Derby day party and fell in love. With its beautiful color and zesty flavor, it’s a festive surprise for a summer picnic or party.—Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without mango): 179 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
22/27
Orange Razzletini
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We combined orange juice and raspberry rum to create this fruity martini. The sunny, bright color is appealing.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 118 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
23/27
Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
My beverage is so sensational it's like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 197 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
24/27
Strawberry-Basil Cocktail
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
25/27
Midwest Mary
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calcuated without salt, pepper and garnishes): 124 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
26/27
Apple Brandy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I spend a lot of time developing recipes for the many fruits and vegetables we grow on our farm. In this creation, apple brandy is enhanced with spices for a delightful drink.—Deanna Seippel, Lancaster, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 ounce-weight: 123 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
27/27
Easy White Sangria
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using white wine makes my version of sangria a little lighter, yet it still has the same wonderful sweetness. Frozen fruit allows me to serve this any time of year. Nothing beats this white sangria recipe. —Sharon Tipton, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 147 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
