Where to Watch the 141st Kentucky Derby in NYC

Put on your hats

The Kentucky Derby is coming up on Saturday, May 2, so it’s time to dust off your best hat and get ready to watch some races with a Mint Julep in your hand. That pretty much sums up the day, no? To help you celebrate it right, we’ve put together a list of where to find the best Mint Juleps in New York City. It’s not Kentucky, but these bars might be able to transport you south for the afternoon.

With a selection of regional, craft bourbons from Garrison Brothers Barrel #6 to Dark Horse Reserve, this Southern-themed eatery is ready to make you a genuine Julep. The bourbon list goes on, and the cocktail offerings include a twist on this spring beverage with the Porch Swing Swizzle. It mixes Woodford Reserve Bourbon with velvet falernum, ginger juice, ginger beer and mint syrup. (156 9th Ave.; 212-620-4545)

With a distinctly Southern tone (Louisiana creole, specifically), Maison Premiere has the perfect character and style for sipping a mint julep. If you ask, the bartenders will likely make you an Absinthe Mint Julep, which is not to be missed. (298 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 347-335-0446)

The drinks here have names like “Kentucky Royale” and “Hound Dog,” so you’ve got to expect a solid Mint Julep, and that’s what you’ll get. The Mint Julep falls into the “barrel-aged cocktails” list. It stars Rebel Yell bourbon and will run you $14. (196 Smith St., Brooklyn; 718-643-2106)

The Cucumber Mint Julep here is delicious, but it’s somewhat of an ephemeral menu item—in other words, it’s a gamble as to whether you’ll get it or not, as it depends on the bartender. However, at a Southern-style restaurant like this, you can always ask for a regular Mint Julep and get a spot on rendition. (178 Ludlow St.; 646-657-0233)

Hosting an annual Kentucky Derby party (it’s on its fifth year, now), this BBQ restaurant offers a place to bet on horses and eat some Derby pie on Saturday, May 2. You can wash your pie down with the Kentucky Mint Julep, a down-to-the-basics version of the cocktail that will make you feel at home…if you’re from the South. (44 Berry St., Brooklyn; 718-218-6655)

You’ll find an extensive cocktail menu at this upscale lounge in which the Mint Julep is not forgotten. You can pick your poison in terms of the bourbon. All classic cocktails here go for $15—like we said, upscale. (25 Moore St.; 212-226-5545)

This place looks like it was made to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with lawn jockeys in its very logo. Naturally, it does celebrate the event, with a Kentucky Derby party that takes place from 3:30 to 5:30 PM on May 2, and the package takes into account any Derby fan’s hankering for a Mint Julep. It costs $64 to attend the party, but that includes two Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps, free snacks and games. Dress code is “your Derby finest,” so make sure to wear that hat you dusted off! (21 W 52nd St.; 212-582-7200)

Photo via Flickr user Bill Brine