3 DIY Derby Drinks

Grab your bow ties and floppy hats -- it's time to get down and derby with a Kentucky Derby cocktail! From icy mint juleps to strawberry-basil libations, these classy Southern drinks will make you feel like high roller in no time.

Twisted Horse's Neck

1 serving

Ingredients

lemon peel

½ cup ginger ale

1 shot bourbon

Directions

In a glass, muddle lemon peel.

Add ice, then pour in remaining ingredients.

Stir with a straw.

Strawberry-Basil Whiskey Smash

1 serving

Ingredients

3 muddled strawberries

4 basil leaves

1.5 shots whiskey

½ shot simple syrup

Directions

In a shaker, muddle the strawberries and two basil leaves.

Add the whiskey.

Garnish with leftover basil leaves.

Blackberry Mint Julep

1 serving

Ingredients

¼ cup muddled blackberries

2 tbsp. mint leaves

1 tsp. powdered sugar

¼ cup bourbon

½ cup club soda

Directions

In a tall glass, muddle the blackberries and mint leaves.

Add ice, then pour in bourbon and powdered sugar.

Stir with a straw.

Related: Get DIY Tequila Drinks

TIP: Simple Syrup

Yields 1 cup

Ingredients

½ cup water

½ cup sugar

Directions

Bubble water and sugar mixture over low to medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved.

Let cool before mixing into drink.