Coming Right Up: Woodward Does the Derby


Said to be the most thrilling two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby is, if nothing else, a fantastic reason to swig bourbon cocktails and don your one and only fedora. Looking for a place to do so? Woodward at Ames is showing the 137th running on their big screen and celebrating with mint juleps, champagne, and track-worthy hors d’oeuvres (that means country ham biscuits, spiced pecans, and fried oysters). Hat maker Goorin Bros. will be popping up on site in case you need a chapeau for the occasion.

If you’re hosting a soiree of your own, the fine folks at Woodward recommend their take on the classic julep–a sure fire way to get your party out of the starting gates.

The Woodward Mint Julep

8 mint leaves plus 1 sprig
3/4 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces Woodward Reserve bourbon
Crushed ice
Spoonful of Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum

Use a bar spoon to lightly muddle mint in a julep glass. Add simple syrup to the muddled mint a stir. Add bourbon and a handful of crushed ice and stir. Top with a small mound of crushed ice, garnish with mint sprig and drizzle a spoonful of Sailor Jerry spiced rum over top.

Kentucky Derby Hat Party, Saturday, May 7, 4-9 p.m. Woodward at Ames, 1 Court St., Boston, woodwardatames.com. For additional details or to make reservations, call 617-979-8200.