Friday, May 6, 2011

Kentucky Derby...

My Mom's side of the family is from Kentucky so we have always celebrated the Derby. I've never been, but I do watch it every year, make bets and drink mint juleps. In honor of the Kentucky derby...here's the recipe to a famous Kentucky Derby drink for you to enjoy as you watch.
Ingredients

  • 4 cups bourbon
  • 2 bunches fresh spearmint
  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Powdered sugar
Directions
To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.
Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it's right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to "marry" the flavors.
To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately. Recipe from here!
My beautiful Momma enjoying a Mint Julep
Here's a picture from one of my bridal showers...Derby themed of course since it was thrown by my Kentucky loving Aunts. What a great excuse to dress up and wear big hats!
Are you going to watch the Derby???

3 comments:

Sarah said...

Mmm! that looks delicious - never had a mint julep, but when i watch tonight, maybe i'll make one!

Unknown said...

ive never celebrated the derby, but thhe hats are super cute!
<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons

Laura said...

So much fun! I should totally host a Derby party with hats some time. I love that you did it at your shower. I watched for the first time today and now I know what all the fuss is about. I hope to go in person sometime in my life.