In the midst of a jammed weekend with Cinco De Mayo, and Star Wars Day, we’ll expand on the revelry with the 144th Kentucky Derby. Most of Saturday will be filled with undercard races, with the main event going off just after 6:00 EST. This year is looking to be one of the most competitive fields. Seven horses currently stand with 12-1, or better, odds.
For my picks although Justified is the 3-1 favorite, I am not as sold. Mendelssohn has limited experience running on dirt but seems a safe choice after destroying the field in Dubai, and I also like Audible as he has been winning while a favorite, cruising in the Florida Derby. A longshot play is Hofburg (20-1) who looks stronger than those numbers, and My Boy Jack is sitting at 30-1 even though he has a pair of victories last month.
Now, onward to the important stuff. Yes, Mint Juleps rule the day here. They are THE perfect marriage of Louisville products — horses, and bourbon. So if you have a crowd over and most want to indulge, some prep work will save you time and you can still catch the race. First advice: make up some simple syrup ahead of time.
- Simple Syrup: 2 Parts sugar to 1 Part water, measured to how much is needed. Boil the water, add sugar until fully dissolved, turn down heat to low for 10 minutes. Take off heat and allow to cool, pour into dispenser of choice.
Next, have your drink station ready to go with glassware, barware, and ingredients at the ready. Also, crush a large batch of ice ahead of time. Just a bit of planning and you can rush these out with ease.
MINT JULEP
(in rocks glass, or metal mug)
- Splash bourbon, add 2-3 mint leaves. Muddle
- Fill with crushed ice
- 2oz Bourbon (or more to taste) Bulleit, or better preferred
- Teaspoon simple syrup
Shake briefly, garnish with sprig of mint
If you have a crowd desiring some drink variations then there are a number of other bourbon-based cocktails that fit the bill nicely. Knowing your crowd, and preparing of course is key here.
KENTUCKY MULE
The copper cups are not required, but of course use ‘em if you got ‘em
(in mule mug, filled with crushed ice)
- 1.5oz Bourbon
- Juice from ½ lime (do NOT use Roses lime juice)
- Fill with ginger beer
Garnish with sprig of mint
THE BOURBON LIFT
This is frothy and disappears rather quickly
(in a shaker with ice)
- 1.5oz Bourbon
- 1oz Heavy Cream
- 1/2 oz coffee liquor
- 1/2oz Almond Orgeat (if unavailable, Amaretto a distant replacement)
Shake well for 15 seconds, strain into Collins glass. Fill with club soda (Slowly pour club soda from a few inches. This will “lift” a foamy head)
BOURBON SMASH
This is a more potable variation of a Julep
(in shaker with light ice)
- Muddle 2 mint leaves, and a full wheel of orange pulp (save rind)
- 2oz Bourbon
- Teaspoon simple syrup
(shake ingredients well, double strain over ice. Splash lime soda. Garnish with orange peel, sprig of mint)
JOCKEY CLUB
If you have old school drinkers, go with this thoroughbred-acceptable Manhattan variant
(in shaker with ice)
- 2oz Bourbon
- 1/2oz Sweet Vermouth
- Splash Maraschino Liquor
(shake well, strain over maraschino cherry in a chilled martini glass)
The post Mint Juleps and Beyond: Cocktail Choices for The Kentucky Derby appeared first on RedState.