We’ve always been fans of the Keeneland Breeze recipe, a refreshing cocktail that captures the vibrant spirit of Kentucky’s horse racing scene. Originating from the iconic Keeneland Race Course, it’s a simple yet elegant drink that blends minty freshness with a touch of Southern charm.
What we love most is how easy it is to whip up at home, making it ideal for lively events or relaxed evenings. Let’s dive into this timeless favorite and bring a bit of that trackside magic to your table.
Ingredients
For our Keeneland Breeze cocktail recipe, we gather simple yet vibrant ingredients that capture the minty freshness and Southern charm of Kentucky’s racing tradition. Below, we list them in the order of preparation, with precise measurements and prep notes for effortless mixing.
- Bourbon: 2 ounces – Choose a high-quality Kentucky bourbon as our base spirit to deliver that smooth, oaky warmth.
- Fresh mint leaves: 8 to 10 leaves – Gently muddle these for their essential aromatic essence, releasing the bright, cooling flavors.
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 ounce – Squeeze from 1 medium lemon for a zesty, tangy acidity that balances the sweetness.
- Simple syrup: 0.5 ounces – Made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water; we use this to add just the right touch of subtle sweetness.
- Club soda: 2 ounces – Added last for a fizzy lift, ensuring our cocktail remains light and refreshing.
- Ice cubes: 1 cup – Crushed or cubed, to chill and dilute the drink perfectly without watering it down too quickly.
- Lemon wheel and mint sprig: For garnish – These enhance presentation and aroma, making our Keeneland Breeze visually appealing and trackside authentic.
Equipment Needed
We find that the right equipment makes preparing our Keeneland Breeze cocktail straightforward and fun, allowing us to achieve that perfect balance of flavors with minimal effort. With these tools on hand, we can seamlessly transition from gathering ingredients to mixing a refreshing drink inspired by Kentucky’s racing heritage.
Tools for Mixing
- Muddler: This tool is crucial for gently crushing fresh mint leaves to extract their vibrant, aromatic essence, ensuring our cocktail bursts with that signature minty freshness.
- Cocktail Shaker: Use this to vigorously shake the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup together, blending the ingredients for a smooth, chilled result that elevates the drink’s Southern charm.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: Accurate measurements are key to our Keeneland Breeze’s balanced taste, so we rely on this for precise pours of liquids like bourbon and syrup.
- Strainer: This helps filter out any solids, such as muddled mint bits, when pouring into glasses, delivering a clean and professional finish to our cocktail.
- Bar Spoon: Perfect for stirring and layering ingredients in the glass before adding club soda, it ensures even distribution without over-agitating the mix.
- Highball Glasses: We suggest using these for serving, as their tall design showcases the fizzy club soda and garnishes, making our Keeneland Breeze visually appealing and easy to enjoy.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through crafting the Keeneland Breeze cocktail with precision and ease. We ensure each step brings out the minty freshness and Southern charm that define this beloved drink.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before mixing, we focus on prepping our ingredients to maximize flavors and ensure a smooth process. Start by handling the fresh elements as follows:
- Fresh mint leaves: Gently rinse 10-12 mint leaves under cold water to remove any dirt then pat them dry with a paper towel. This step releases their aromatic oils for a vibrant, invigorating scent.
- Lemon juice: Squeeze juice from 1 medium lemon yielding about 1 ounce. We recommend using a citrus juicer for efficiency to capture that tangy brightness without pulp.
- Simple syrup: If not pre-made measure out ½ ounce from a prepared batch. Stir it briefly to confirm it’s fully dissolved for even sweetness.
- Kentucky bourbon: Pour 2 ounces of high-quality bourbon into a jigger. Select a smooth variety to highlight the cocktail’s rich depth.
- Club soda: Chill 2-3 ounces in the refrigerator beforehand. This adds the effervescent lift that makes the Keeneland Breeze so refreshing.
- Ice: Fill a shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes. We use this to chill and dilute the drink perfectly without watering it down too much.
Assemble the Drink
With ingredients prepped we now combine them step by step to create a balanced Keeneland Breeze. These actions blend flavors vividly evoking the excitement of the Keeneland Race Course.
- In a cocktail shaker add the rinsed mint leaves and muddle them gently for 10 seconds using a muddler. This extracts the essential oils creating a fragrant minty base that invigorates the senses.
- Pour in the 2 ounces of Kentucky bourbon followed by the 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and ½ ounce of simple syrup. Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to meld the ingredients into a harmonious mix.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with 1 cup of ice using a fine strainer. This ensures a clear smooth finish without mint bits.
- Top off the glass with 2-3 ounces of chilled club soda. Stir once gently with a bar spoon to incorporate the fizz creating a light bubbly texture that dances on the palate.
- Garnish the drink with a thin lemon wheel and a fresh mint sprig placed on the rim. This final touch enhances visual appeal and adds an extra burst of citrus and mint aroma making the Keeneland Breeze irresistible.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring the Keeneland Breeze with you and how it brings a dash of Southern flair to your gatherings.
It’s more than just a drink—it’s a simple way to create lasting memories.
Cheers to mixing up magic in your own kitchen and enjoying every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Keeneland Breeze cocktail?
The Keeneland Breeze is a refreshing cocktail inspired by Kentucky’s horse racing culture at the Keeneland Race Course. It combines minty freshness with Southern charm, featuring Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. This simple, elegant drink is perfect for gatherings or casual evenings, capturing the magic of trackside vibes in every sip.
What ingredients are needed for the Keeneland Breeze?
To make the Keeneland Breeze, you’ll need high-quality Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, and ice. These ingredients blend to create a balanced, minty flavor with a touch of Southern elegance, making it easy to prepare at home for a delightful experience.
How do you make the Keeneland Breeze?
Start by muddling fresh mint leaves in a shaker. Add Kentucky bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice, then shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig. This process takes just a few minutes and ensures a perfectly refreshing cocktail.
What tools are required to prepare the Keeneland Breeze?
Essential tools include a muddler for mint, a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for measuring, a strainer for pouring, a bar spoon for stirring, and highball glasses for serving. These items help achieve the ideal balance of flavors and an appealing presentation, making home preparation straightforward and professional.
Is the Keeneland Breeze easy to make at home?
Yes, the Keeneland Breeze is simple to prepare at home with basic ingredients and tools. Just follow the straightforward steps: muddle mint, shake the liquids, strain into a glass, and add club soda. It’s perfect for beginners and can be ready in under 5 minutes, ideal for casual or festive occasions.
Can I customize the Keeneland Breeze recipe?
Absolutely, you can customize by adjusting sweetness with more or less simple syrup, swapping lemon for lime, or experimenting with flavored bourbons. However, stick to fresh mint for that authentic minty freshness. Keep variations minimal to maintain the cocktail’s signature Southern charm and balance.