Latest news with #JeffThompson
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Red Cat Partners with ESAero to Support Manufacturing for Teal's Black Widow™
ESAero will provide AS9100 manufacturing capacity and engineering services to support production of the Black Widow sUAS SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) ("Red Cat"), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a partnership with ESAero to provide critical AS9100 manufacturing capacity for the Black Widow sUAS and its subsystems. The AS9100 standard ensures a manufacturer has a quality management system in place to meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry. Teal Drones is a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings. The company's Black Widow drone is a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) missions. The system, which was down selected for the U.S. Army's SRR Program of Record contract, provides military operators with improved situational awareness, autonomous capabilities, and rugged performance in contested environments. 'As we ramp up production of the Black Widow to fulfill our SRR contracts and meet growing demand from U.S. and international customers, securing high-quality, aerospace-certified manufacturing capacity is critical,' said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. 'ESAero's facilities, combined with their deep engineering expertise, make them an ideal partner for Red Cat. This collaboration supports our ability to scale manufacturing, focus on continuous improvement, and deliver mission-ready sUAS platforms to the warfighters that depend on them.' ESAero is committed to supporting Red Cat's mission of delivering high-quality Made-in-America sUAS to its customers and the warfighter. With multiple AS9100-certified manufacturing facilities located in San Luis Obispo, CA, ESAero is well-positioned to enhance the production throughput of Teal's technologies for key customers. ESAero's vertically integrated facilities and robust supply chain are perfectly suited to bolster the production of components and subsystems for Black Widow in a schedule-driven manner. 'We have had a great relationship with Red Cat over the past year and a half supporting various developments, including the Teal 2 and Black Widow,' said Andrew Gibson, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of ESAero. 'During this time, we have made significant investments in our manufacturing capability for producing Group I – III UAS at scale, which we are thrilled to now provide to Red Cat and Teal. We believe this partnership will effectively and efficiently provide Teal the capacity they need to meet the production needs of their customers and the warfighter.' Red Cat and ESAero recognize the importance of strong partnerships within America's industrial base to meet the critical production needs of the warfighter. By combining Teal's core technology with ESAero's proven ability to scale production of advanced systems, Black Widow will be well positioned to be deployed rapidly and reliably. About Red Cat Holdings, Inc. Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army's Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry's first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at About Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) ESAero produces Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced aerospace technologies for commercial and military applications. An established leader in the field, ESAero has been demonstrating for decades its core competencies in the design and manufacturing of innovative, reliable, and scalable aircraft systems including power and battery management systems. Based in San Luis Obispo, California, ESAero provides vertically integrated AS9100 certified services in R&D, engineering, design for manufacturing, rapid prototyping, testing, and serialized production expanding in the thousands. With over 130,000 ESAero has the capacity, capability, and facilities to scale and accelerate manufacturing to support its partners and customers. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Contact: INVESTORS: E-mail: Investors@ NEWS MEDIA: Phone: (347) 880-2895Email: peter@
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Red Cat Expands Maritime Domain Capabilities with Battle-Tested Unmanned Surface Vessels
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) ('Red Cat'), a leading provider of drone technology for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced the expansion of its multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat's official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations. Meeting the Demands of Modern Conflict Red Cat's entry into the maritime domain builds on existing inroads, including a partnership with Ocean Power Technologies to integrate its aerial drones with autonomous maritime platforms. Red Cat's own line of kinetic-capable USVs marks a significant step forward. The decision is a direct response to rising geopolitical tensions and a shift in U.S. defense priorities toward re-asserting American maritime dominance globally. Red Cat is well positioned to deliver American-manufactured solutions that address these urgent operational needs of the U.S. and allied naval forces. 'This is a pivotal moment for Red Cat as we evolve from an aerial-first drone company into a true multi-domain defense provider,' said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. 'This expansion into maritime platforms opens significant opportunities in a fast-growing and urgently needed defense sector. As the U.S. and its allies confront rising maritime threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, there's a clear demand for powerful, proven, and scalable USVs made in America. With these USVs, we're helping to shape the future of autonomous warfare and strengthening the foundation of U.S. defense manufacturing.' Introducing Red Cat's New Line of USVs Red Cat is bringing its line of USVs to market in partnership with a leading global manufacturer of USVs. The system is tested daily in actual combat and designed to operate either autonomously or in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) configurations. The technology already has 10,000+ hours of operating time in live combat missions. Moving into production will accelerate Red Cat's roadmap for USVs that integrate seamlessly with its existing family of ISR and unmanned aerial systems, supporting multi-domain and swarming operations. 'This system has been used day in and day out in the current conflict, accumulating tens of thousands of hours in real combat operations and achieving dozens of successful kinetic engagements against enemy assets, more than any navy since World War II,' Thompson stated. 'By partnering with a company that has extensive proven experience and is well beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we gain a substantial competitive advantage as we enter this market.' Red Cat is preparing to start production in Q3 of a seven-meter Expeditionary Multi-Role Craft developed to meet the demands of high-speed, long-range, kinetic maritime operations. It is built for larger payloads, extended endurance, and increased firepower. The version has enhanced range, payload capacity, and mission flexibility making it ideal for deep-strike missions, anti-ship warfare, and coastal interdiction in contested zones. Leaders in Ship Building and Marine Innovation Red Cat has assembled an elite team of master boatbuilders, drawing from industry leaders with centuries of collective experience. Renowned for pioneering advanced jet propulsion systems and crafting superior, American-made hulls, our team brings unmatched expertise to every vessel. Boatbuilding at scale demands profound knowledge and precision—qualities our proven professionals deliver with decades of hands-on experience, ensuring excellence in every detail. For more information about Red Cat's mission and its line of Unmanned Surface Vessels visit About Red Cat Holdings, Inc. Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army's Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry's first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at Forward Looking Statements This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'seek,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'target,' 'aim,' 'should,' 'will' 'would,' or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled 'Risk Factors' in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Contact: INVESTORS: E-mail: [email protected] NEWS MEDIA: Phone: (347) 880-2895 Email: [email protected]
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Red Cat Expands Maritime Domain Capabilities with Battle-Tested Unmanned Surface Vessels
Strategic partnership with leading USV company enhances Red Cat's multi-domain capabilities and capitalizes on rapidly growing global demand for autonomous, kinetic-capable platforms SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) ("Red Cat"), a leading provider of drone technology for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced the expansion of its multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat's official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations. Meeting the Demands of Modern Conflict Red Cat's entry into the maritime domain builds on existing inroads, including a partnership with Ocean Power Technologies to integrate its aerial drones with autonomous maritime platforms. Red Cat's own line of kinetic-capable USVs marks a significant step forward. The decision is a direct response to rising geopolitical tensions and a shift in U.S. defense priorities toward re-asserting American maritime dominance globally. Red Cat is well positioned to deliver American-manufactured solutions that address these urgent operational needs of the U.S. and allied naval forces. 'This is a pivotal moment for Red Cat as we evolve from an aerial-first drone company into a true multi-domain defense provider,' said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. 'This expansion into maritime platforms opens significant opportunities in a fast-growing and urgently needed defense sector. As the U.S. and its allies confront rising maritime threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, there's a clear demand for powerful, proven, and scalable USVs made in America. With these USVs, we're helping to shape the future of autonomous warfare and strengthening the foundation of U.S. defense manufacturing.' Introducing Red Cat's New Line of USVs Red Cat is bringing its line of USVs to market in partnership with a leading global manufacturer of USVs. The system is tested daily in actual combat and designed to operate either autonomously or in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) configurations. The technology already has 10,000+ hours of operating time in live combat missions. Moving into production will accelerate Red Cat's roadmap for USVs that integrate seamlessly with its existing family of ISR and unmanned aerial systems, supporting multi-domain and swarming operations. 'This system has been used day in and day out in the current conflict, accumulating tens of thousands of hours in real combat operations and achieving dozens of successful kinetic engagements against enemy assets, more than any navy since World War II,' Thompson stated. 'By partnering with a company that has extensive proven experience and is well beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we gain a substantial competitive advantage as we enter this market.' Red Cat is preparing to start production in Q3 of a seven-meter Expeditionary Multi-Role Craft developed to meet the demands of high-speed, long-range, kinetic maritime operations. It is built for larger payloads, extended endurance, and increased firepower. The version has enhanced range, payload capacity, and mission flexibility making it ideal for deep-strike missions, anti-ship warfare, and coastal interdiction in contested zones. Leaders in Ship Building and Marine Innovation Red Cat has assembled an elite team of master boatbuilders, drawing from industry leaders with centuries of collective experience. Renowned for pioneering advanced jet propulsion systems and crafting superior, American-made hulls, our team brings unmatched expertise to every vessel. Boatbuilding at scale demands profound knowledge and precision—qualities our proven professionals deliver with decades of hands-on experience, ensuring excellence in every detail. For more information about Red Cat's mission and its line of Unmanned Surface Vessels visit About Red Cat Holdings, Inc. Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army's Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry's first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Contact: INVESTORS: E-mail: Investors@ NEWS MEDIA: Phone: (347) 880-2895Email: peter@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana budget bill curbs university faculty power, ties tenure to new ‘productivity' reviews
The final draft of Indiana's budget bill included last-minute changes to university tenure requirements and faculty's authority over school policy decisions. (Getty Images) Sweeping changes to how the state's public universities manage faculty tenure and campus governance were quietly folded into Indiana's 2025 budget bill during the final hours of the legislative session despite limited lawmaker debate — and without opportunities for public input. That's in addition to other unorthodox provisions slipped into the state's next two-year spending plan, like language to give Gov. Mike Braun total say over who sits on Indiana University's Board of Trustees. Braun has until May 6 to take action on the budget. If he does nothing, the plan automatically becomes law and takes effect July 1. The new postsecondary rules require faculty at public colleges and universities to post their syllabi online and mandate 'productivity' reviews for tenured professors. Authority of faculty-led governing bodies was reduced, as well. There's been ongoing discussion about the efficiency in higher education, and that's always a fair discussion as to how we maximize the use of taxpayer dollars. – Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton Faculty senates, for example, which are traditionally responsible for shaping a school's academic policy, will now be limited to an advisory role. More authority will instead shift to university trustees and administrative leadership. Republican supermajority leadership maintained the changes are necessary and defended using the budget as a vehicle bill. House budget architect Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, said the language was added because universities, like the rest of state government, need to slim spending. The two-year budget cuts funding for the state's public colleges by 5%. 'There's been ongoing discussion about the efficiency in higher education, and that's always a fair discussion as to how we maximize the use of taxpayer dollars,' Thompson said. 'That's an ongoing discussion. That's one of our responsibilities.' But Democrat Rep. Matt Pierce said the move was rushed and unvetted. 'We didn't think we needed to hear from the public, or maybe even, heaven forbid, some faculty members or people who run universities, to kind of understand how they think this provision might work or not work. Would that not have been helpful?' Pierce, of Bloomington, asked Thompson on the House floor shortly before the session concluded. Thompson reiterated that university governance 'is a fiscal issue,' and that 'sometimes, we make these decisions based on the information we have in front of us.' Pierce and other Democrats disagreed, noting that the higher education provisions were not previously approved by either the House or Senate chambers, nor were they introduced or debated in other bills or amendments earlier in the session. Faculty advocates further warned that the changes could threaten academic freedom and deter top scholars from staying in or coming to Indiana. 'The public is left to wonder, who put the supermajority on this track? Who is behind the scenes that has the influence to change decades, if not centuries, of the operation of universities?' Pierce questioned. 'All this crazy stuff … undermining faculty governance, treating them like they're children, and every five years they've got to prove they're doing their job,' he continued. 'Those faculty — the best faculty, the researchers, the people who are searching for cures for cancer, the people learning about and understanding nanotechnology, the people who are going to solve the challenges of our day with science and investigation and inquiry — they're out of here. They're not going to put up with this.' Once the budget bill becomes law, all tenured professors at Indiana's public colleges and universities must undergo formal 'productivity reviews' at least once every five years. Bill language specifies that evaluations should 'measure' a professor's 'productivity,' which includes: the faculty member's teaching workload; the total number of graduate and undergraduate students taught by the faculty member; the time spent on instructional assignments and overseeing graduate students; and the research and creative scholarship productivity of the faculty member. Institutions will be required to place faculty on probation if they do not meet the standards set through the review process. According to the legislation, that probation 'may result in dismissal.' CONTACT US The new review system is reminiscent of a law approved by the General Assembly and former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2024 that seeks to promote 'intellectual diversity' on Indiana campuses. Boards of trustees decide what qualifies as 'intellectual diversity,' although the term has been championed by Republican lawmakers who contend that conservative students and faculty members are increasingly ostracized at progressively liberal college and university settings — or at least perceive such shunning. Under the law adopted last year, both nontenured and tenured faculty are judged on whether — and to what extent — they've delivered intellectually 'diverse' instruction. University trustees are allowed to decide punishments for professors who fail to meet their school's standards. Boards are required to deny promotions and tenure to faculty members if, 'based on past performance or other determination by the board,' they are 'unlikely to foster … intellectual diversity.' Additionally, 'intellectual diversity' must be considered in post-tenure reviews, which are now required at least every five years. Colleges' governance groups, like faculty senates and councils, will also be relegated to 'advisory only' roles. Those bodies traditionally make decisions around faculty hiring and promotion processes, in addition to curricula and other academic policies. Elected faculty groups will be able to recommend and vote on changes to key matters, but final authority will rest with university trustees and top administrators. Indiana University alumni blast board of trustees changes slipped into state budget Other budget provisions order public colleges and universities to regularly review their degree programs and either cut those that fall beneath a certain enrollment threshold, or get state approval to continue offering the programs. Schools could also be required to cut degrees that fail to meet the state's standards for 'quality, viability, and productivity.' Chris Lowery, Indiana's higher education commissioner, told lawmakers in April that his commission had already adopted provisions to 'approve and disapprove' proposed or existing credentials offered by Indiana's post-secondaries. There are roughly 3,400 programs currently offered by school statewide. Lowery wasn't sure how many programs could — or should — be cut. 'I don't know what the number is, but what we know in any sector, when you get to that high of a quantity, you should be asking and questioning, 'Are we giving value to our fellow Hoosiers?' … We have work to do there,' he said before the House Education Committee last month. 'Although our colleges are doing a great job to prepare students for in-demand career opportunities … it's clear the number is too large here, and we can simply be more efficient and effective with outcomes.' Another section of the budget bill specifically calls out Indiana University by eliminating alumni input in the selection of university trustees. It instead gives decision-making power over the board's membership to Braun. Under current law, Indiana's governor appoints five members to IU's board and picks one student representative with the help of a student-led committee. Three other members must be IU graduates and are elected by other alumni. The new state budget mandates all nine members to be appointed by the governor, and gives the executive leader the ability to, 'at any time,' remove and replace a board member who was previously elected by the IU alumni. Braun defended the policy move Wednesday, emphasizing that just a 'fraction' of IU alumni participated in past votes to elect trustees. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
12 Perfect Cocktails To Enjoy At Kentucky Derby Viewing Parties
The Kentucky Derby is said to be the most riveting two minutes in all of sports. This year's festivities, set to be held on Saturday, May 3, promise to have all the excitement and glamour of past years. While some will be lucky enough to don their fancy hats or fascinators and attend, many others will be gathering at homes and bars for viewing parties – and that demands cocktails in honor of the occasion. The Seelbach Cocktail at the Old Seelbach Bar at The Seelbach Hilton Louisville. In Louisville at the Old Seelbach Bar at The Seelbach Hilton Louisville, this Kentucky-inspired cocktail is served in a champagne flute, and has generous dashes of both Angostura and Peychaud's bitters, balanced with Korbel Champagne, a touch of Old Forester, and a zest of orange. 'Legend has it, The Seelbach Cocktail could be dated back to 1917, but more officially, it was recreated by a restaurant manager in 1995. While it's not traditionally a Derby drink, the Seelbach cocktail is our signature, and with the Derby's deep roots in Louisville, it fits right in with the classics. Now served daily in The Old Seelbach Bar, it evokes the Grand Days of Yesterday – fittingly, in the same year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, which was inspired by a visit to the Seelbach itself," said Jeff Thompson, General Manager. Keeper's Heart Mint Julep at O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co. Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in ... More Minneapolis. At O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co. Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Minneapolis, this is a cool Irish riff on a Southern classic. The Keeper's Heart Mint Julep reimagines tradition and features Keeper's Heart Irish + Bourbon Cask Strength with lightly muddled mint and demerara syrup for depth and balance, all crowned with a snowcap of crushed ice. "The peppery and herbal notes of the Irish whiskeys and the vanilla backbone of the bourbon pair perfectly with the refreshing taste of fresh mint. Sitting at 92 proof, Keeper's Heart Irish + Bourbon will ensure your julep won't over-dilute as you sip this classic cocktail on Derby Day!" said O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co. Beverage Manager, Tyler Newcomb. Jitterbug at Circa 1856 in Bardstown, Kentucky. At Circa 1856 in Bardstown, Kentucky, this cocktail is made with mint leaves, simple syrup, raspberry liqueur, and Chicken Cock Whiskey Small Batch and garnished with mint and a raspberry. "With Spring in full bloom and Summer fast approaching a cocktail made with the fresh mint in the garden and the summer ripe raspberries is the perfect combination for a play on the classic mint julep. With the classic mint julep being known as the official drink of the KY Derby, what better way to give our guest a true KY experience than with a julep," said Barbie Mudd, Lead Spirit Specialist at Chicken Cock Whiskey. The Carrot Ginger Mule at Lindens, located at Arlo SoHo. The Carrot Ginger Mule at Lindens, located at Arlo SoHo in New York City, is a garden-inspired twist on the classic Mule—perfect for Derby Day sipping. It's made with fresh carrot and ginger, and topped with a house-made carrot 'bacon' strip, for a bold, earthy kick to a race day favorite. "Our Carrot Ginger Mule has all the refreshing elements of a traditional mule with a modern twist. The subtle sweetness from carrot pairs perfectly with ginger, making for an outstanding soda cocktail to enjoy while watching the races," said Amanda Lee, Head Bartender. The Thoroughbred at Elsie Rooftop in New York City. The Thoroughbred at Elsie Rooftop in New York City is a modern southern spin on a Kentucky Derby classic. It's maade with bourbon, fresh mint, Bonne Maman peach preserves, peach oolong tea, Benedictine, rhubarb honey syrup, and lemon—for a heavy punch of game day glam. "The inspiration behind The Thoroughbred was to take the feeling of a classic Southern Derby drink and give it a twist. We kept the bourbon and mint that everyone expects, and brought in Bonne Maman peach preserves, peach oolong tea, our house-made rhubarb honey syrup, and a touch of Benedictine to add more depth and brightness. It's still easygoing and refreshing, but with a few unexpected notes that make it perfect for Derby week," said Parker Boase, Co-Founder of Liquid Lab NYC & Beverage Partner at Elsie Rooftop. Running Rose at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Louisville. Found at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Louisville, this is a delicious twist on a Derby classic. Running Rose begins with a traditional mint julep — made with Whiskey Thief bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice — but is then topped with a slow-melting rose of frozen hibiscus tea and Aperol. "We wanted to honor tradition while offering a modern surprise — something both beautiful and unexpected. The frozen Aperol-hibiscus rose transforms the cocktail over time, just like the Derby transforms Louisville each spring," said Amy Fox, Head of Operations & Experiences, Whiskey Thief Louisville. Dawn at the Downs at Rusty's Lakeside Pub in Glasgow, Kentucky. Those who are based in Louisville continue to get in the spirit of Derby excitement year and after. It's an awesome two minutes that never loses its appeal. "For those of us fortunate enough to be in the host city for the greatest two minutes in sports, Derby week in Kentucky is a stunner every year. The state is truly at its best. Beautiful things blooming with spring, beautiful people everywhere in beautiful hats, beautiful food and beverage as far as the eye can see. Mornings at the track (Churchill Downs) are a special part of the Derby tradition for locals. Dawn at the Downs is a chance for every day folks to watch morning workouts and see the Derby contenders up close and personal. I am not sure you can get up at the crack of dawn to go watch horses run without a beverage incentive," said Jennifer Brian, a spirits professional, self-proclaimed Cocktail Evangelist, co-founder and owner of craft cocktail company, Make & Muddle and author of the cocktail cookbook, The Classic Cocktail Revival (now available for presale). Rusty's Lakeside Pub in Glasgow, Kentucky has Jennifer Brian's very favorite morning/brunch cocktail, aptly named Dawn at the Downs. 'The combination of bourbon (of course) with Make & Muddle's new 4 Tea Tonic (chamomile, calendula, and lemon balm with citrus and bergamot) and fresh citrus juice all topped with bubbles is the brunch beverage you didn't know you needed…until now! It makes those early mornings worth waking up for!' Forbidden Julep at Sea Island in Sea Island, Georgia. Created by the bar team at Sea Island (in Sea Island, Georgia), this cocktail is made with Forbidden Small Batch Select Bourbon, Blended Family Peach, Orange Honey Oleo, mint, and powdered sugar. 'The Mint Julep is not merely a drink; it is an heirloom of Southern gentility and a tradition as enduring as the Kentucky Derby itself. On May 3rd aboard the Sea Island Explorer, we honor that legacy with The Forbidden Julep — a distinguished blend of Forbidden Small Batch Select Bourbon, Blended Family Peach Liqueur, Orange Honey Oleo Saccharum, and freshly plucked mint. It is a sip fit for silken hats and seersucker suits, a spirited toast to the thrill, pageantry, and timeless elegance of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby,' said Nic Wallace, Resort Bars and Spirits Manager at Sea Island. Crowned in Gold at Monarch Rooftop in New York City. Crowned in Gold is a gold-honey bourbon sour made with Woodford Reserve whiskey, Amaro Averna, ginger honey infused syrup, lemon, orange bitters with edible gold glitter rim. This cocktail, found at the Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge in New York City, is perfect for adding glamour to a Kentucky Derby viewing party. Derby Julep at Peck Slip Social in New York City. On the menu at Peck Slip Social in New York City, this take on the Kentucky Derby classic mint julep, swaps in WhistlePig rye and uses house-made mint simple syrup while some cognac is added for some extra excitement. It's available the whole month of May. Beverage Director Jayden Mohun says: 'Our Derby Julep is a bold, elevated twist on the classic mint julep. We blend WhistlePig rye with cognac, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and our house-made mint simple syrup for a refreshing balance of spice, brightness, and herbal depth. It's smooth, layered, and perfect for sipping — whether it's Derby Day or just a nice spring day! Bourbón y Bond at Casa Bond NoHo in New York City. At Casa Bond NoHo in New York City, this take on the classic Mint Julep includes bourbon, agave syrup, muddled mint, and orange bitters. Horsefeather at J. Rieger Distillery in Kansas City. On the menu at J. Rieger Distillery in Kansas City, this whiskey-forward cocktail is found in their Tasting Room, Monogram Lounge, the Hey! Hey! Club, or inside the Instagram-friendly glass Atrium overlooking the garden. 'For this year's Kentucky Derby, if you're looking to switch things up from the traditional Mint Julep, try a Horsefeather instead. Come on, it's called a Horsefeather—clearly made for Derby Day. This bright, refreshing modern-classic highball combines Rieger Kansas City Whiskey with ginger beer and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Add a generous sprig of mint on top to keep the Derby spirit alive. This is a true Midwest original that hails from Lawrence, and has earned its place as a Kansas City favorite with its bold, spicy, and citrus-forward appeal,' said Ryan Maybee, J. Rieger co-founder.
