Derby Day is almost upon us which means diehard fans are dusting off their julep tins, fancy hats, and lyric sheets to My Old Kentucky Home. Though we don’t have anything against the classic Mint Julep – the unofficial cocktail of The Kentucky Derby – we’re mixing things up a bit this year and will be drinking a julep-inspired cocktail that uses two of our favorite seasonal beverages: rosé and cider.
We stumbled upon this version a few weeks back when we joined our pals at The East End for a private tour of Boston Beer Company. It’s made from Angry Orchard’s Rosé Cider (new this year and flying off the shelves) and is simple and beautiful and delicious:
Rosé Julep
(makes 1 julep tin full)
.5 oz bourbon
.5 oz creme de cassis
.5 oz simple syrup
6-8 mint leaves
4-5 oz Angry Orchard Rosé Cider
crushed ice
Muddle the mint in the bottom of a julep tin. Add the remaining ingredients, then fill the tin with crushed ice. Garnish with a lavish mint bouquet, and you’re off!
Happy Derby Day from all of us at Bottles + The East End!
Team Bottles + The East End at Boston Beer Company in March 2018
