one recipe - cocktails all weekend!
This weekend is Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo, so I thought I’d share one simple recipe that you can put on repeat all weekend! All you need is one syrup + spirit + citrus, and you’ve got yourself a cocktail that will be the life of the party all weekend long!
Of course the traditional cocktail for Derby is the Mint Julep, and though I love a good julep, and have made them for several Derby parties throughout the years, sometimes it’s just a little strong for some. If you want to offer something a little easier to drink for your guests, try a whiskey sour! The reduced spirit content, fruit, and citrus will lighten up the drink, while still feeling festive. I love blueberries for this, but use whatever berry you like! I’ve done this drink with pretty much all berries!
Blueberry Syrup
Start by making a simple syrup:
Combine equal parts sugar, water, and berries. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, allowing the berries to break down. You can even help this along by smashing the berries with a utensil once they start to get a little softer. Once your berries have broken down and released their juices, remove syrup from heat and cool a bit. Strain through a mesh strainer. This syrup can be kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for about a week.
Sour Recipe
1.5 oz spirit
.75 oz simple syrup
.75 oz fresh citrus (lemon or lime)
soda water to top
Combine 1.5 oz spirit (use anything you want, but I like whiskey for Derby), .75 oz simple syrup, and .75 oz fresh citrus into a shaker. Fill with ice and shake to combine. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of club soda, and garnish with a citrus wheel or wedge, or a fruit cocktail skewer is extra festive!
Pro Tip: Repeat this cocktail for Cinco de Mayo, just use lime + tequila, and you’ve got yourself a margarita!
Extra Pro Tip: If you’re not into making your own batches of drinks for entertaining, you can always call on our team to make them for you! We always use fresh ingredients, fresh citrus, and include all the garnishes and extras you need. We can even send one of our certified bartenders to serve them up!