Kentucky Derby: Mint Julep Party Supplies
All You Need Is Some Mint, Some Sugar And A Bottle Of Maker's Mark
The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875 and over the years it's become one of the preeminent stakes races in the world.
The field is comprised of 3-year old thoroughbred horses and the two-week party leading up to the event attracts celebrities from all over the world.
If you know anything at all about horses and horse racing then you're already familiar with the grand traditions surrounding the Run for the Roses. Women attend in all their finery, topped off with outrageous, designer hats. Men wear tuxedos and top hats and tails.
The horses themselves are true works of art as they parade through the granstand and the winner receives a garland of 554 red roses.
The celebration is marked with marching bands and all the pageantry accorded royalty.
But no tradition is more renowned than the icy-cold Mint Julep!
How to Make a Mint Julep: Beaumont Inn, Kentucky
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Maker's Mark
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Fresh Spearmint leaves
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- To make Simple Syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water and bring to a boil. Stir to completely dissolve sugar and remove from heat. Allow to cool before using in Mint Juleps.
- Directions for Mint Julep
- Place small amount of crushed ice in bottom of glass and add 5 or 6 Spearmint leaves.
- Gently muddle leaves into the ice to release the essential oils.
- Add additional is until glass is half full.
- Add 2 ounces of Maker's Mark and 1 ounce of Simple Syrup.
- Garnish with fresh Spearmint leaves and a short straw.
- Note: A short straw is important. You're forced to bring your nose closer to the mint so you get the full aroma.
Two's Company Mint Julep Cups in Gift Box
The Mint Julep has traditionally been served in a silver or pewter cup. You have to remember, the drink became popular in the South where Summers are long, hot and dry. The ice inside the cup causes frost on the outside of the metal and keeps the drink cooler, longer.
The drink was first promoted by Churchill Downs in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby in 1938 and now they serve these icy drinks in commemorative glasses.
If you want to serve the real thing at your Kentucky Derby Party, though, you're going to need some silver cups!
Wikipedia on Mint Juleps
Since 2006, Churchill Downs has also served extra-premium custom-made mint juleps at a cost of $1000 each at the Kentucky Derby. These mint juleps were served in gold-plated cups with silver straws, and were made from Woodford Reserve bourbon, mint imported from Ireland, spring water ice cubes from the Bavarian Alps, and sugar from Australia. The proceeds were used to support charitable causes dedicated to retired race horses.
Mint Julep Muddlers
I just gently bruise the mint with the muddler to release the flavor.
You can use this with other drinks like a mojito and to make pesto.
I've shared what I know, but if you want to be an expert on the Kentucky Derby mint julips, here's the book for you.
© 2012 Virginia Allain
