Presented by Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor

Please note: There will be no Cocktail of the Week posts for May 16 or May 23, as I’ll be taking an intensive course on sake those two weeks.

Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo are always near each other, but only sometimes on consecutive days, as this weekend. After wavering whether to post a Derby cocktail or a Cinco cocktail, I decided to do one of each, so here we go! In order of their calendar appearance, here are two cocktails you can enjoy this two-rite-of-spring weekend (but not the ones you might expect).

Derby Day (Saturday, May 4): The Man O’War Cocktail
The iconic Kentucky Derby drink is the Mint Julep (we have that covered), but I learned about Man O’ War, the legendary Thoroughbred of the Jazz Age, as a boy, growing up with horses and horse lovers. Naturally, when I learned there was a cocktail by that name, I had to try it, and I’m glad I did. 

Truth told. Man O’War never raced in the Kentucky Derby (his owner didn’t believe a horse should race that distance so early in his career). Still, as one of the most iconic horses in racing history, his namesake cocktail is a fitting libation for watching the run for the roses. Man O’War won the Preakness, the Belmont Stakes, and 18 other races before retiring after his three-year-old season. In his retirement, he sired one Triple Crown winner (War Admiral) and grand-sired another legend (Seabiscuit).

This is an excellent cocktail for you to break out your favorite cask-strength or high-proof bourbon because it is well-diluted by other lower- and zero-proof ingredients. I also love the cherry-laced Partner Sweet Vermouth in it, as it contributes body, flavor, and a beautiful color to the drink.  

MAN O’ WAR
2-2½ oz Knob Creek 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon (or similar)
½ oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao (or comparable Cognac-based orange liqueur)  
½ oz Partner Sweet vermouth 
½ oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ oz Honey syrup (3 parts honey to 1 part water)

Shake all ingredients with ice to blend and chill the drink, then strain it into a chilled cocktail coupe (or similar glass). Garnish with a lemon peel and a Luxardo maraschino cherry.

Cinco de Mayo (Sunday, May 5): The Rosita 
The stereotypical Cinco de Mayo beverage is the Margarita, and the Libation Lounge blog has posted a few Margarita recipes. If you’re not a fan of lime juice or just want a change of pace, The Rosita is, in effect, a tequila Perfect Manhattan.

THE ROSITA
2 oz Tequila (reposado or añejo)
½ oz Vermouth di Torino or Carpano Antica sweet vermouth
½ oz Dry vermouth
¼ oz Campari
1 dash Angostura bitters

Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir for 15-20 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a rocks or Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice, then garnish with a twist of lemon zest. This drink also works when served ‘up’—unless you’re sitting on a sunny, hot patio or porch. 

About our Cocktail of the Week partners—shop local and independent!
Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor are less than a mile from each other, on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners in Brighton.

Cooks’ World, in business since 1978, is Rochester’s premier retailer of dining, kitchen, and cooking products, including a complete selection of glassware, mixology tools, and accessories for wine and spirits lovers. Follow Cooks’ World on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up here to receive Cooks’ World’s daily email specials and other news. 

Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, in business since 1997, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of spirits and wine from around the world, with a savvy staff to assist in your selection and encourage you along your cocktail and wine journey. Follow Pinnacle on Facebook and Instagram. For the inside track on Pinnacle’s spirits sales, send two text messages to (585)765-7546:
— Text the word “bourbon,” to receive weekly text messages offering the chance to buy rare or allocated whiskies or special prices on popular products.
—Text the word “spirits,” to receive roughly monthly offers on fine spirits other than whiskies.