The Kentucky Derby will be held on May 7th this year, always the first Saturday in May!
The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack. Legend has it that founder Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., planted mint for cocktails when he founded the track in 1875.
What do you need to make a Mint Julep?
FRESH MINT:
- BOURBON:
- Maker's Mark is a really good bourbon, and Jim Bean is probably one of the least expensive:
SILVER CUPS:
A HORSE, to bet on?
- Mint Julep
4 to 5 mint sprigs leaves only
2 sugar cubes, or 1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
Mint sprig, for garnish
Place mint leaves in bottom of cup
, add simple syrup and muddle. Fill cup with crushed ice and pour bourbon over ice. Add more ice to mound and garnish with a mint sprig.- TIP: snap mint sprig against the palm of your hand to release scent!
- ********************************************************************
- It's no too late to order this horseshoe HERE, search "Courtly Horseshoe"!
- ***********************************************************
Here's another recipe:
Mint Julep
- 8 mint leaves
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- Garnish: mint sprig
- Garnish: Angostura bitters (optional)
In a silver Mint Julep cup , lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup. Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).
And one more recipe:
The silver cup will be nice and frosty and will keep your drink cold!
Off to the races!
Place your bet!
- Don't forget to wear your fancy hat or fascinator!
Hope your horse wins! Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDelete