Villa Esperanza Services - Guild Race Day

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

Source
The Mint Julep has been the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Churchill Downs' official recipe is below!

Recipe
3 oz. Old Forester Mint Julep Bourbon
0.75 oz. Simple Syrup
8-10 mint leaves
3 mint sprigs, far garnish

Pack mint julep cup with crushed ice. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, syrup, and mint leaves. Lightly bruise mint leaves with a muddler, strain contents into julep cup. Garnish with 3 generous sprigs of mint.
*Make sure to insert straw into ice near mint.

Kentucky Oaks Lily

Source
Kentucky Oaks Day is the day before the Derby; only fillies are allowed to race, and pink is the color of the day. The Oaks Lily is the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks, as the winning filly of the race earns a garland of pink lilies.

Recipe
1 part Finlandia Vodka
1 part Sweet and Sour Mix
1/4 part Triple Sec
3 parts Cranberry Juice

Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice. Add in the ingredients and stir to combine.

Down the Stretch

Source
The Down the Stretch is a popular drink served at the Frontrunner Restaurant at Santa Anita Racetrack.

Recipe
1.5 parts Vodka
0.5 parts Blue Curacao
0.5 parts Grenadine
2 parts Lemon-Lime Soda
Lemon wedge, for garnish
Blackberries, for garnish

Add all ingredients to a tall glass with ice. Stir vigorously, and present with a fresh blackberry and slice of lemon.

Rosie Napravnik Mocktail

Source
Rosie Napravnik is the most successful female jockey to compete in the Kentucky Derby, and this mocktail was created in her honor. If you don't drink alcohol, this mocktail is for you!

Recipe
2 cups fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup rose water
3 crushed cardamom pods or 1 tsp ground cardamom
6 strawberries, diced
1.5 cups sugar
Club soda or carbonated water

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients and cook on medium high heat until just begins to boil. Lower heat and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Turn off heat and cool for 10-15 minutes. Strain liquid through a fine sieve, gently pressing strawberry pieces through and discard cardamom. Store in a glass quart container until ready for use.