Kentucky Derby No-No's

Mark and Graham

 

Tonight is my Kentucky Derby Wine Tasting & Pairing. The Derby is tomorrow and my favorite horse is Journalism. I used this photo last year for a Derby post and it was so much fun, I thought I would do it again. Who can name the four mistakes in this mint julep photo?

First, if you look closely at the bottle in the back left, it is Bulleit Rye. Now I am a big Bulleit fan and have been to the distillery and have met the owner and enjoy both their bourbon and their rye and both are on my bar. But a mint julep is made with bourbon, not with rye.

Second, a mint julep is never garnished with lime.

Third, a mint julep is made with crushed ice, never with ice cubes or big chunks of ice as shown here.

Fourth, a mint julep is made in each glass or cup, not in a cocktail shaker. Here is a recipe for a classic mint julep. And if you are buying fresh mint or have fresh mint in the garden, mint is a great filler for flower arrangements. Long lasting and adds a wonderful scent.

This is my favorite classic mint julep recipe. This recipe calls for Bulleit Bourbon but any really good bourbon works great - Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Basil Hayden are other nice choices.

The Classic Mint Julep

Ingredients

1.3 oz Bulleit Bourbon

.75 oz simple syrup or a teaspoon sugar

4 mint leaves and a sprig of mint (use tender, young sprigs, which last longer and look better)

Instructions

Prepare some very cold very dry crushed ice. "Bruise" the mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup with sugar syrup. Add ice to the three quarter mark and half of the bourbon. Stir to chill the julep cup. Top off with more powdered ice and the remaining bourbon and continue to stir until the outside of the cup begins to freeze. Garnish with the mint sprig and set aside to rest while the julep cup freezes over on the outside. Pick up carefully to imbibe.

And did you know that there's one color that is never worn to the Kentucky Derby? The answer is green which is considered to be bad luck.

And on Derby day you greet everyone with "Happy Derby."

Cheers!