The time has come for horses, bourbon and completely ridiculous looking hats – that’s right, The Kentucky Derby is just a few weeks away! Whether you’re rooting for the number one horse, Orb, or number 52, Little Jerry, there’s one thing that everyone can agree on…Derby Day Cocktails from Sparkling ICE and VOGA Italia Wine!

Sparkling ICE is a ZERO calorie beverage which combines naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, fruit juices, vitamins and antioxidants. If you’re looking for a low-calorie twist on the classic Mint Julep, Sparkling ICE offers a Mint Julep Jolt, which has a bit of a sour kick to it and is sure to get you off your feet and cheering for your favorite horse!

And for those of you who have money riding on the race, why not try a Wagering Whiskey Pop from VOGA Italia Wine to ease the tension! Featuring VOGA Sparkling, the bubbly beverage will keep your spirits high, even if your funds are running low.

The Mint Julep Jolt"the Mint Julep Jolt Derby Day Cocktail"

Ingredients:

2 oz Bourbon

1 oz Sparkling ICE Lemonade

4 Mint Leaves

2 Sugar Cubes

Crushed Ice

Directions:

  1. Place the mint leaves at the bottom of a glass and crush (for real authenticity use a julep cup)
  2. Pour in the Bourbon and Sparkling ICE Lemonade
  3. Add in the crushed ice and stir
  4. Garnish with mint sprig

Wagering Whiskey Pop"Wagering Whiskey Pop Derby Day Cocktail"

Ingredients:

1 Sugar Cube

4 drops of angostura aromatic bitters

1/2 shot of bourbon whisky

Top it off with VOGA Sparkling

 

Directions:

  1. Polish the sugar cube with bitters and drop it into the glass
  2. Pour bourbon whisky into a chilled glass
  3. Top it off with VOGA Sparkling

 

Racing Raspberry Tea "Racing Raspberry Tea Derby Day Cocktail"

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Black Raspberry Sparkling ICE

4 mint tea bags

5-6 limes

Mint sprigs

Honey or agave nectar (optional)

Directions:

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil
  2. Remove from heat and add 4 bags of mint tea. Steep for 10 minutes
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours
  4. Approximately 8 teaspoons of lime juice, also chilled
  5. Mix 1 cup of the chilled mint tea with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the lime juice in a chilled glass.  If you would like your tea extra sweet add in some honey, agava nectar, otherwise skip to the next step
  6. Add ¼ cup of chilled Black Raspberry Sparkling ICE to fill the glass
  7. Add crushed ice and stir.  Add a lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

 

"Giddy Up Derby Day Cocktail"Giddy Up

Ingredients:

3-4 fresh figs, sliced (or 1 cup dried figs)
1-2 fresh gala apples, sliced

1 cup of cherries

2-3 oranges, sliced (not peeled)

1 lemon, sliced

2 bottles VOGA Italia Merlot
3 cups sparkling apple cider

1 cup orange juice
½ cup brandy

½ cup dark spiced rum

4 cinnamon sticks

5 whole cloves

Directions:

  1. Slice apples and insert whole cloves directly into the fruit.
  2. Combine all fruit slices in a glass pitcher and slowly pour in brandy and wine. Cover and chill from 2-24 hours (the longer, the better!)
  3. Before serving, add sparkling cider and orange juice. Stir gently and serve over ice.
  4. Makes about 15 servings

 

Derby Daiquiri"Derby Daiquiri Derby Day Cocktail"

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1.25 oz. Rum

1.25 oz. Sparkling ICE Kiwi Strawberry

3 oz. frozen strawberries

1 cup crushed ice

 

Directions:

  1. Add Rum, Sparkling ICE Kiwi Strawberry, frozen strawberries, and crushed ice in a blender
  2. Blend until smooth and pour into glass
  3. Garnish with strawberry

 

About Sparkling ICE®    

Sparkling ICE has made a great tasting, refreshing, zero calorie beverage Perfectly Possible™. Combining naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, vitamins and antioxidants and natural fruit juices, Sparkling ICE offers a bold, lightly-carbonated beverage that appeals to all age groups. Available in ten refreshing flavors: Coconut Pineapple, Lemon Lime, Kiwi Strawberry, Lemonade, Orange Mango, Pomegranate Blueberry, Pink Grapefruit, Black Raspberry, Crisp Apple and Peach Nectarine, Sparkling ICE can be found in retailers nationwide. A great alternative to soft drinks, Sparkling ICE is caffeine free and sweetened with Splenda.

Sparkling ICE is part of the TalkingRain® family of beverages, and retails for $1.19-$1.29. To locate Sparking ICE visit www.sparklingice.com .

VOGA Italia hails from Italy, the country best known for producing some of the world’s best wine as well as its’ keen sense of style. VOGA Italia encompasses all aspects offering a collection of crisp delicious wine thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary re-designed bottle featuring a unique resealable cap. Since the company’s inception, VOGA has earned numerous awards and accolades for their sleek and sexy glass cylindrical bottle, presentation and most importantly taste.  The collection retails from $10.99 to $15.99 and includes Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, and Premium Sparkling. VOGA is available in over 62 countries, hundreds of major cities, and can be found in thousands of the world’s trendiest bars, restaurants and shops. Wherever, whenever, if you are drinking VOGA you are drinking IN Style. 

For more information on VOGA Italia wine www.vogaitalia.com