Mint Julep Recipe To Get You Ready For The Kentucky Derby
Tomorrow is the most important day of the month. It kicks off a trifecta of partying and recklessness that will last the week. It begins with an event that separates the men from the boys, the Alpha's from the beta's, the overtly masculine from the potentially European: It is the Kentucky Derby.
Betting the Ponies is a tradition in my household. We have been watching the derby every year since I can remember. Part of the tradition involves that oh so important past time: Drinking. Now, for those of you who may not know, the traditional drink for the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep:
“The mint julep is a centuries-old mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon (or some other spirit) and fresh mint. As a bourbon-based cocktail, it is associated with the American South and the cuisine of the Southern United States in general, and the Kentucky Derby in particular.”
Pretty straight forward. Mint and bourbon. It doesn't get much simpler than that. But for all you adventurous type looking to do it right, there is a method to the madness:
“Mint Julep
3 sprigs of fresh mint
1 1/2 tsp powdered sugar
3 oz bourbon
crushed ice
Place 8 or so mint leaves in the bottom of a pre-chilled julep cup or double old-fashioned glass. Add sugar and muddle a bit to bruise the mint leaves. Fill the glass about 2/3 with crushed ice, and pour in bourbon. Stir everything together (a julep cup will frost), and then pack glass with more ice until it is full. Top drink with a lush sprig of mint. Makes 1 drink. ”
Pretty straightforward, but yet so satisfying. Make sure to get your bets in early and wear a ridiculous hat.