Today’s post is perfect for two events occurring this weekend: the Kentucky Derby and National Lemonade Day. While I am a lemonade enthusiast as it is my go-to warm weather sipper, I’m sure others are more interested in the Kentucky Derby relevance of this recipe. It’s all good!
The 152nd Run for the Roses happens tomorrow in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first of the Triple Crown horse races for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. The 1-1/4 mile run is considered “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”. There are 36 prep races that are held to qualify horses for the Kentucky Derby. The top five finishers in each of the prep races earn reward points. The top 20 point-earners in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series secure a spot in the starting gate for the Derby. (Another 4 horses are designated “also eligible” in case of an initial starter being withdrawn due to injury, illness, or trainer choice.) Favored for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is Renegade, followed by Further Ado and Commandment. Can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
We’ll be enjoying this minty lemonade & ginger ale concoction spiked with a kick of Kentucky bourbon during the Derby and in celebration of National Lemonade Day this weekend!
Kentucky Lemonade
Kentucky Lemonade (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Total Time Required: 15 minutes + chilling time, Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 6 ounces bourbon, optional
- 4 cups ginger ale
- lemon slices & fresh mint leaves for serving
Directions:
In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 1 – 2 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and add the lemon juice and mint leaves to the pot, stirring to combine. Refrigerate the flavored simple syrup for 1 hour or until chilled.
Combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, and mint leaves for the simple syrup.
To serve, strain the simple syrup mixture into a 2-quart pitcher. Stir in the ginger ale and bourbon. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. For individual servings, combine 2 ounces of the strained simple syrup in a cocktail glass. Stir in 5 ounces of ginger ale. Add 1 ounce of bourbon for an alcoholic version or skip the alcohol for the mocktail version. Add ice, a lemon slice, and fresh mint leaves then serve.
Serve with additional mint and a lemon slice.
May is off to a great start! ~Linda
Kentucky Lemonade (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Total Time Required: 15 minutes + chilling time, Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 6 ounces bourbon, optional
- 4 cups ginger ale
- lemon slices & fresh mint leaves for serving
Directions:
In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 1 – 2 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and add the lemon juice and mint leaves to the pot, stirring to combine. Refrigerate the flavored simple syrup for 1 hour or until chilled.
To serve, strain the simple syrup mixture into a 2-quart pitcher. Stir in the ginger ale and bourbon. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. For individual servings, combine 2 ounces of the strained simple syrup in a cocktail glass. Stir in 5 ounces of ginger ale. Add 1 ounce of bourbon for an alcoholic version or skip the alcohol for a mocktail version. Add ice, a lemon slice, and fresh mint leaves then serve.