Recipe provided by Jordan Catapano

No event captures spring like the Kentucky Derby. Held the first Saturday of May every year, the Derby draws thousands of people from around the world to the famed Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to the race, people gather for two weeks at the Kentucky Derby Festival to participate in activities ranging from concerts to fashion shows to a marathon.

To celebrate the big day at home, you’re allowed to simplify the experience a little (unless of course you feel like going for a really long run!). Try these three bourbon cocktails and experience a full emersion in the Kentucky Derby spirit

Kentucky B & B

2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon

½ ounce Benedictine

Directions

Combine the Maker’s Mark and Benedictine in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into a rocks glass with ice, or serve straight up in a martini glass.

Kentucky Colony

3 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon

½ ounce Benedictine

½ ounce lemon juice

Lemon twist garnish

Directions

Combine the Maker’s Mark, Benedictine, and lemon juice in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into a glass with ice, or serve up in a martini glass.

Horse & Jockey

1 ounce Bacardi Añejo Rum

1 ounce Southern Comfort

½ ounce Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes bitter Angostura bitters

Directions

Combine the Bacardi Añejo rum, Southern Comfort, Martini & Rossi sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into a rocks or martini glass.