Kroger or Publix for Kentucky Derby cocktail ingredients? What it will cost you
The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is this weekend, which means time is running out to plan your watch party complete with classic Derby cocktails like mint juleps, old fashioneds and the Oaks Lily.
Churchill Downs makes its signature Derby drink recipes available online for those looking for an authentic beverage.
To help you plan your party in a pinch, we’ve compared prices at two major Lexington grocery chains, both of which feature adjoining liquor stores with everything you need in one place. Here’s how much making your cocktails at home could cost you this year.
How did we shop prices?
For starters, some context and how we approached this price check.
Where did we shop? Because we’re aiming for convenience, we chose to look at grocery stores with attached or adjacent branded liquor stores. For that reason, we visited Lexington locations for Kroger and Publix. We think it offers a nice comparison for shoppers, whether they’re on a budget or seeking a higher-end selection of products.
When did we visit? We visited the Kroger at 704 Euclid Ave. and Lexington’s only open Publix location at 1952 Stockton Way April 30. The second Publix location in Fayette County has yet to open. Grocery prices are subject to change, even on a daily basis for some items.
What was on our shopping list? For our price analysis, we shopped for ingredients for three classic Kentucky Derby cocktails: the Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep, the Oaks Lily and the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned.
Our shopping list includes:
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Vodka
Simple syrup
Mint leaves
Ice
Sweet and sour mix
Triple sec
Cranberry juice
Sugar
Aromatic bitters
Lemons (for peel garnishes)
For liquors, we’re including prices for both the top-shelf varieties and more budget-friendly options.
Were sales a factor? No. Shoppers scoping out prices in store will likely notice deals, especially on bourbon during Derby week. In the interest of fairness, we’re looking at regular prices, and in instances where like-to-like products weren’t available, we’ve broken down the price per ounce. Additionally, for some hard-to-find items, we went with the price listed on the store’s website.
How do cocktail ingredient prices compare between Kroger and Publix?
You can get a general overview by mousing over the interactive data visualization below:
If you’re shopping for ingredients to craft a particular drink, here’s a breakdown of total prices for ingredients between Kroger and Publix (not including sales tax):
- Woodford Reserve Mint Julep — Kroger: $54.96; Publix: $59.16
- Oaks Lily — Kroger: $41.86; Publix: $45.86
- Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned — Kroger: $55.37; Publix $55.99
So what’s the takeaway here? The biggest ticket items here are your liquor choices so how much you save will depend on what you pull off the shelf for that category.
If you’re at Kroger and shopping on a budget, you could grab the Woodford Reserve, skip the top shelf vodka, go for a mid-tier vodka option instead and likely stay within $100.
Where Publix seems to stand out is its selection and quality. For example, during our visit, we noticed the mint leaves at Publix looked a lot fuller and fresher, which might make a difference to you if you’re looking for that photogenic mint julep.
Publix also offers a more attractive selection of bourbons. Its liquor store has a 44 foot long wall of bourbon and it’s expected to get “barrel picks” from Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark, making it a more ideal option for bourbon lovers.
Do you have a question about business or consumer issues in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.