A few years ago (circa 2005) my friend Shannon and I talked about our wish list for the future. We had both just gotten married (hence the picture) and we had big eyes for the future -- a "bucket list," if you will, before we knew what one was. On the list we talked about going to the Kentucky Derby together "some day" and wearing big hats, being classy, drinking mint juleps and the whole nine yards. Little did we know that several years later I would actually end up living in Cincinnati (fairly close to Churchill Downs) and we could turn this little dream into reality.
Now of course I don't have tickets this year (because obviously I'd be getting ready right now instead of typing this blog) but Tim and I don't plan on moving any time soon and I think next year we should definitely check this one off the list -- what do you say Shannon? I'm in if you are!
And if you're like me and aren't going to the Derby today, you can still watch it on NBC tonight and drink a homemade mint julep to celebrate. Here is info on the original mint julep straight from the Kentucky Derby website itself! Enjoy!
"Controversy rages over the minutiae of a proper julep -- chipped or shaved ice, crystalline or boiled sugar -- but julep purists agree that a real mint julep must be served in a frosted silver julep glass. And, of course, made with the finest Kentucky bourbon. Moonlight and magnolias are optional.
The Grade II Early Times Mint Julep Stakes on May 24 at Churchill Downs is sponsored by Early Times, the time-honored ingredient in mixing an authentic mint julep. If the Early Times Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail is not available from your local retailer, you can make your own with this recipe:
Early Times Mint Julep
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- Early Times Kentucky Whiskey
- Silver Julep Cups
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whiskey. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint."
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