Starting Gate Smash

The Starting Gate Smash has a fruity, refreshing, herbal, citrusy, smooth flavor profile. A vibrant bourbon-based cocktail that combines the boldness of Kentucky whiskey with fresh mint and seasonal berries. This refreshing smash captures the excitement of race day with its invigorating flavors and striking presentation.

A Starting Gate Smash requires 6 ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Fresh blackberries, fresh mint leaves, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Club Soda.

A Starting Gate Smash takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

A Starting Gate Smash is traditionally served in a rocks, garnished with Fresh mint sprig and 2-3 blackberries on a cocktail pick.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Starting Gate Smash by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Starting Gate Smash emerged in the early 2010s as craft bartenders began reimagining classic Derby cocktails for year-round enjoyment. While the mint julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938, modern mixologists recognized the need for a more complex, fruit-forward alternative that maintained the bourbon backbone while appealing to contemporary palates. The 'smash' technique, popularized by Dale DeGroff and later refined by bartenders like Tony Conigliaro, involves muddling fresh fruit with herbs to create concentrated flavor bursts. The Starting Gate Smash specifically draws from this tradition while incorporating seasonal berries that represent the spring racing season. The cocktail gained popularity at upscale racetracks and bourbon bars across the South, eventually spreading to cocktail menus nationwide as bartenders embraced its perfect balance of tradition and innovation.