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20 Kentucky Derby Drinks To Try In Case Mint Juleps Aren't Really Your Thing

Just because you'll be celebrating the Kentucky Derby from home rather than Louisville doesn't mean you can't party in style with a few appropriate Kentucky Derby drinks. And if you're stocking up on all the race day classics for your big Derby party, you know that there's nothing more iconic than the mint julep.

Except, well, mint juleps aren't everyone's cup of tea (sorry for not being sorry). If you're not the biggest fan of the minty bourbon-based mint julep, fear not! Here are 20 warm-weather cocktails guaranteed to get you pumped for the fastest two minutes of the year.

Image: The True Spoon

by Camilla Maybee

Sparkling Rhubarb and Raspberry Collins

This fresh floral concoction blends gin, homemade rhubarb syrup, and fresh raspberries.

Image: Lexi Bites

The Trouble Maker

Try this signature cocktail from Weather Up in Tribeca. With a name like that, you know it’s bound to be good.

Image: Guest of a Guest

Beetroot Dark and Stormy

A little color and earthy flavor from fresh beet juice makes a lovely addition to this zesty classic.

Image: The Not So Desperate Housewife

Tres Leches Martini

Cream, evaporated, and condensed milk make this Tres Leches martini a truly decadent experience.

Image: The Drink Blog

Fruit Sorbet and Sparkling Wine Floats

Booze and frozen treats belong together forever.

Image: Maebells

Lavender Gin Lemonade

Lavender isn’t just for potpourri. Try it in this creative cocktail that blends it with gin and lemonade.

Image: The True Spoon

The Henchman

Get the party started with this combo of white whiskey, Madiera, bitters, scotch, chocolate stout, and cherries. The secret to success? Making extra beer foam in a French press.

Image: Pickled Capers

Meyer Lemon Shandy

Fresh-squeezed Meyer lemons make this shandy a magical addition to any Derby party.

Image: Foxes Love Lemons

Classic Manhattan Cocktail

NOT to be confused with the contemporary, bourbon-based version, the classic is made of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, Angostura bitters, and a touch of lemon.

Image: Leite’s Culinaria

Endless Summer Sangria

You had me at “Endless.” Find the recipe for this sweet and spicy sangria over at I Am a Food Blog.

Image: I Am a Food Blog

Strawberry Orange Mango Kombucha Mocktails

If you MUST abstain from alcohol this year, try this fun kombucha-based mocktail. So much flavor, you won’t even miss the booze (well, almost).

Image: The Roasted Root

The Boreal Ridge

The 10th Kitchen mixes up this creative cocktail with lemongrass, lime, bitters, Licor 43, vanilla, and Prosecco.

Image: 10th Kitchen

Pineapple Ginger Mojitos

We all know Mint Juleps are just mojito-wannabes anyway. Try this version with fresh pineapple and ginger.

Image: Domesticate Me

Coconut Mango Mojitos

Whip up a few of these babies and let the sun shine in. It’ll almost be like watching the Derby on the beach. Almost.

Image: How Sweet It Is

Cranberry-Ginger White Wine Cocktails

This fruity, crisp blend of white wine, cranberries, and homemade ginger syrup is beautifully fragrant, flavorful, and classy.

Image: 3 Pastries a Day

Gummy Bear Sangria

The addition of “Drunky Bears” to sangria may be the most genius idea of the century.

Image: My Name Is Yeh

Peach Prosecco Punch

This punch from Damn Delicious is bursting with fresh fruit, is bubbly, and is… well… damn delicious.

Image: Damn Delicious

Cognac Sour

Try this fun twist on a whiskey sour topped off with a little fresh rosemary.

Image: Vikalinka

Strawberry-Infused Vodka

By the end of the day, you really just need to cut straight to the chase. You can try this strawberry-infused vodka with your favorite mixers, but let’s be honest, it’s probably best straight from the bottle.

Image: Love U Madly

Frozen Pineapple Daquiris

Find your most bodacious Derby hat and kick back with this fancy libation from A Cozy Kitchen.

Image: A Cozy Kitchen

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