Kentucky Derby

The company I work for was started in Lexington Kentucky, they've also got an office in Louisville. Needless to say, a lot of people around here are big on the Kentucky Derby, which takes place this Saturday May 6th. I've never been to the in-field, but from what I've heard it's a massive party centered on a day of horse racing and the gambling that ensues.

This weekend people will crowd the Infield in Louisville.

As far as I'm concerned the two most marquee elements of the Derby are Women wearing crazy old-school / big ass hats and mint juleps. The big ass hat tradition seems to be a hold over from a simpler time when women were relegated to "object" status and men were "true citizens".

I thought it might be neat to throw a Derby party this Saturday, but Traci reminded me that Friday is Cinco De Mayo (back to back drinking holidays are a no no). Anyway if you or anyone else is going to throw a Derby party, here's a Mint Julep recipe.

Mint Julep
This recipe is adapted from Southern Living Magazine.

• A 10-ounce glass filled with crushed ice
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons mint simple syrup (recipe below)
• 2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
• 1 small cocktail straw to stir drink

Place 2 tablespoons of mint simple syrup and four mint leaves into a 10-ounce glass. Press the mint leaves into the glass using the back of a spoon to release the flavor. Add two ounces Kentucky Bourbon and add 2 tablespoons of the mint simple syrup to the glass.

Mint Simple Syrup

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 8 sprigs of fresh mint

Add sugar to boiling water. Continue to boil for about five minutes, or until sugar dissolves; do not stir.
Place 8 sprigs of mint in an airtight, plastic container, and pour the sugar-and-water mixture over the mint. Refrigerate.

[Via: ESPN.com & NPR.org]