Not every Kentucky Derby party needs a crowded bar, a betting slip, or a hat big enough to block out the sun. Sometimes all you really need is a good bourbon cocktail in your hand and an excuse to pretend spring has officially arrived.

Glasshouse Kitchen Bar Manager Greg Dreyer has a drink for exactly that moment. His Strawberry Basil Whiskey Smash takes the spirit of a classic mint julep and gives it a brighter, more playful turn—one that leans into ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and the kind of easy-drinking finish that feels made for a Derby watch party at home.

Built around Blade & Bow Bourbon, the cocktail balances sweetness, citrus, and a touch of bitterness. A house-made strawberry oleo brings in rich fruit flavor, lemon juice sharpens everything up, Aperol keeps it from drifting too far into sugary territory, and basil adds that earthy, herbal note that makes the whole thing feel like more than just another seasonal bourbon drink.

“This cocktail was created to encompass both Kentucky bourbon tradition and emerging summer flavors,” says Dreyer. “And for me, the Kentucky Derby screams, ‘Summer is Here!’ Fresh strawberries, resting in sugar for 48 hours, create an extremely bright syrup, perfectly complemented by the intense, lively herbal nuances of basil.” Blade & Bow Bourbon and fresh lemon round everything together, while the addition of Aperol complements the flavors and keeps it from being too sweet. A cocktail designed to be drunk while wearing a big hat!

It’s festive without trying too hard, polished without being fussy, and just different enough to stand out from the usual julep parade. In other words, it’s the kind of cocktail that makes staying home for the Derby feel like its own event.