It’s Derby season, and what better way to celebrate than with bourbon cocktails. Below are a few unique twists on the classic Mint Julep recipe from Basil Hayden’s and Knob Creek that can be enjoyed during each of the Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

For your favorite race, sip on Basil Hayden’s Derby Day Julep. Strawberries, lemon and spearmint leaves are the perfect ingredients to accompany the trademark spicy finish of Basil Hayden’s and start your Derby season off right.

Take your cocktail to the next level at each race with the Knob Creek Mint Julep, which features Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve with mint, simple syrup and soda.

If you prefer a stronger sip this Derby season, we recommend enjoying Booker’s Batch 2016-02, also known as “Annis’ Answer,” which is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water. Bottled uncut at its natural proof — 126.7— Annis’ Answer is a robust and full-bodied whiskey with flavors of oak and vanilla, and it is released in celebration of the day founding distiller Booker Noe asked his wife, Annis, to marry him.

Basil Hayden’s Derby Day Julep
(By Joy Perrine, Louisville, KY)

Ingredients:
4 parts Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
4 chopped Strawberries
10 Spearmint Leaves
4 Lemon Wedges
1 part Water
2 tbsp. Brown Sugar

Method:
1. Muddle brown sugar and water in pint glass until sugar dissolves.
2. Add chopped strawberries, lemon wedges and mint leaves and muddle well.
3. Add Basil Hayden’s and shake.
4. Add ice and shake once again.
5. Strain cocktail over crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig and strawberry.

Knob Creek Mint Julep

Ingredients:
1 1/2 parts Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon
2 bunches mint
1 part simple syrup* (see below)
1 splash soda

Method:
1. Mix sprigs of mint with simple syrup and a splash of soda.
2. Fill julep cup with fine crushed ice and pour in bourbon.
3. Lift out and decorate with two mint leaves.
4. Add powdered sugar over mint to add an optional frosted appearance.

*Simple Syrup Recipe
1. Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Allow to cool before using in cocktail.