Derby Day: Mint Juleps

There is a little known fact about my husband. I didn’t even know it for probably half of our marriage. Bucket list item number one (or at least top 5) is to go to the Kentucky Derby. Not the Super Bowl, not conquering Everest, but putting on some fine linens and sipping Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. To put his love into perspective, I’ll tell you about our imaginary retirement dreams. I’m in a beach condo somewhere with a Mai Tai one week, NYC the next, and flamenco-ing through Argentina after that. Chris is tending to his horses on the farmland somewhere no one knows. We probably see each other on the weekends for a hike.

Side Note: While in Louisville for the big race, I just know he would find some time for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Luke is heading there for a field trip, however, he will not be on the Bourbon Trail.

I thought it was just his love of sports betting that got him so enamored. But the man actually loves this sport and horses. There is a lot of family history in horse training. I do happen to love that the whole race is only two minutes long and you get to wear fun hats and enjoy delicious cocktails. I do have to admit though, it is pretty exciting to watch – the stakes are high in this household. Winner gets excused from folding laundry, a foot rub, an empty house for an hour, all the most important things. I told you, big winnings.

FYI, because I know you want me to talk about him a little more, the man also loves his Woodford Reserve and anything bourbon. And making mint juleps on Derby Day might be the only way he doesn’t get to flustered if I don’t use it for just sipping, with one very large ice cube. Kentucky lives in his soul.

The Mint Julep

Gather up your ingredients, there aren’t many. Bourbon, Mint, Simple Syrup, Really Crushed Ice.

Directions:

You will want to crush the ice, like really crush it, it makes all the difference. This was an utterly cold winter and summer is about to start, let this get you in the mood!

1. Muddle up some mint leaves (about 1 sprig) and put a small batch in the bottom of your glass. Think of muddling enough to get the aromas going, not leaf pieces that get stuck in your teeth.
2. Add the ice to your cup.
3. Pour about 1/2 oz. of simple syrup over the ice. Repeat with 2 oz. of bourbon.
4. Adjust until you find your sweet spot. This is not as fancy as all those outfits would have you to believe. Add a mint sprig for fanciness…

I also don’t happen to have fancy silver cups crusted in emeralds and other gems to make it real official. I did have some mule cups though, and they worked just fine.

Another note: You can buy simple syrup from the store or make it pretty easily. Boil equal parts water and sugar until the sugar dissolves and let it cool.

So to wrap this up, the last few summers we’ve had some fun diversions from the normal Global Kidchen posts like the series on summer grilling ideas. This summer, get ready for cocktails!