Cocktail of the Week: The Kentucky Derby-Friendly Mumm Trifecta

Photo Credit: Carolina Korman Photography/ G.H. Mumm

Do you want to celebrate this year’s Kentucky Derby with a stylish signature sip? If so, look no further than the Mumm Trifecta, created by former Hollywood Roosevelt’s Library Bar mixologist Matthew Biancaniello. This refreshing libation—made with champagne, sage-infused honey syrup, lavender and mint—is the perfect drink to have in hand whether you’re watching the Derby—The Kentucky Derby—the be-all, end-all annual horse race held in Louisville on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs—trackside May 5 and 6 or at L.A.’s Franklin & Company Tavern, where the drink is sold.Says Biancaniello of his creation: “When crafting this cocktail, I wanted to create something celebratory, light and refreshing that would help ease the heat of Kentucky—champagne with fresh mint, hints of sage and lavender puts a new spin on the traditional Mint Julep that is the Mumm Trifecta!” Below, discover how to make this winning cocktail.

Photo Credit: Carolina Korman Photography/ G.H. Mumm

HOW TO MAKE THE MUMM TRIFECTA:

Ingredients

4oz G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne

1Ž4 oz Sage Infused Honey Syrup*

5 Mint Leaves

3-4 Lavender Buds

5 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

Crushed Ice

Garnish: Mint Leaves and Fresh Lavender**

Directions

Add the mint, lavender, champagne and honey syrup into a shaker and muddle. Strain into the glassware of your choice.

Top with a mountain of crushed ice and add the angostura bitters on top of the ice.

Garnish with mint leaves and lavender sprig.

To make the sage infused honey syrup: Add three cups of honey to one cup of hot water and stir until the honey dissolves. Add 6 ripped sage leaves into the honey and stir and let it sit for 2 hours.

*Lavender can be found in specialty markets.