Aidan Demarest, Director of Nightlife at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, has created the perfect cocktail for the Kentucky Derby: The Royal Thai Spice Julep! Upgrade your mint julep game with this unique take on the famous Run for the Roses cocktail, which features an enchanting mix of Western and Eastern influences, blending hints of dried apricot, ripe pear, roasted grain and citrus.

Luxury Gift Items from Hotels Around the World

This fresh concoction will transport you from Kentucky to Thailand in a sip and is perfect to enjoy while betting on your favorite horse! Recipe below:

The Royal Thai Spice Julep

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blade and Bow Bourbon

• 1 oz Kaffir Lime Juice

• 2 Basil Leaves

• 10 Mint Leaves

• ½ teaspoon Thai Spice

• 1 Teaspoon Confectioners’ Sugar

Thai Spice Blend:

• A dash of each: Lemon powder, sea salt, chili powder, ground ginger, mustard seed, and clove.

Directions:

• For the Thai Spice: Grind spices for 20 seconds in a coffee/spice grinder.

• Shake all ingredients furiously over ice in a cocktail shaker and strain over crushed ice in Julep Cup.

• Top with whole chilis and fresh Mint or Basil and Lime.

• Bartender Tip: Standard ice cubes can be pounded in a cloth bag with a hammer or use a crushed ice machine.

For more information, visit the hotel’s website and follow them on Instagram: @sofitellosangeles

[Image courtesy of Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk