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Ready for your $1,000 mint julep cups and recipes.
Activities for the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby are winding up. One tradition for many Derby attendees is the mint julep. But do you have the right mint julep cup?
If you’re in the market for a new mint julep cup bourbon maker Woodford Reserve might have an offering for you. That is if you are winning to part with $1,000.
In honor of the 35th anniversary of Secretariat’s record-setting victory in Kentucky Derby 99, the bourbon maker is offering 99 cups for purchase or auction this year.
Two versions are available.
The Secretariat Cups. 97 of the 99 cups are available for purchase starting April 14 and even include a sterling silver sipping straw.
The version of the mint julep cups up for auction is the Legendary Silks. this blinged out cup is adoraned with sapphires and diamonds and comes with with a 24-karat gold-plated sipping straw.
Both versions of these mint julep cups are packaged in oak boxes made from the same wood as the bourbon barrels.
Proceeds from the sales of the cups will benefit The Secretariat Foundation.
To get in get in on the mint julep cup action, visit www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com. The Web site opened April 14, 2008, so don’t delay.
Previous Mint Julep Story (2007) (Links have been updated for this years’ event.)
For the many thousands of horse race fans who make the pilgrimage to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., early each May, the event is all about the race. For others, it’s the pomp and circumstance … the jackets, the hats, the hobnobbing, oh yeah, and the thoroughbreds. Anyone who has attended the event and has watched the race from the infield knows that it’s all about the party.
The Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby for more than 18 years is made with Early Times Kentucky Whiskey, and with more than 120,000 of the powerful concoctions sold over the derby weekend, according to the official derby Web site (www.kentuckyderby.com/2008), the mint julep is a fine way to welcome the month of May.
Since the Lounge Lizards won’t be making the trek for tomorrow’s big race, we thought we’d offer a few twists on this icecold classic.
The Mint Julep has been the traditional drink at the derby for more than 100 years, and during that time about as many variations — some refreshing, some not — of the drink recipe have been imagined. Some of the recipes suggest the aromatic mint should be used as a garnish while others suggest muddling — otherwise known as stirring and gently crushing — the mint.
One aspect of this race-day concoction that doesn’t seem to vary is the ice — almost all agree, crushed is best. What to place the ice and the drink in is another matter. For a more musty mixologist, the only choice is a sterling silver julep cup; for the rest of us, a rocks glass should do the trick. So when you’re ready to celebrate the most exciting two minutes in racing this weekend, the Lounge Lizards have gathered a few refreshing recipes for the popular drink for you to try. A recent Smithsonian article, online at www.smithsonianmag azine.com/issues/2007/may/derby.htm, says the widespread success of the famous race is thanks in part to Southern tradition, big-name movie stars, the rise of mass media, the minty minty drinks and loads of luck. Whatever the case, the Lounge Lizards will be raising a glass tomorrow with a toast to red roses, big hats, fast horses and the much-admired quintessential drink of the 134rd Kentucky Derby.
Early Times Mint Julep recipe 2 oz. Early Times Whiskey 1 tbsp. simple syrup (recipe below) Mint sprigs Crushed ice Crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-oz. glass and fill with crushed ice. Add one tablespoon of simple syrup and one tablespoon of water. Add 2 oz. Early Times. Stir gently until glass frosts. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, sip and enjoy.
Mint simple syrup* 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 bunch fresh mint sprigs Combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Pour mix over a handful of mint leaves, and gently crush the mint with a spoon. Refrigerate overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves, but continue to refrigerate. Stays fresh for several weeks. * Speaking from experience - don’t overcook the simple syrup or you’ll have a batch of simple crystals instead. — RECIPE FROM EARLY TIMES WHISKEY
Thoroughbred Punch Serves 15-18 1/2 cup sugar 4 oz. lemon juice 6 oz. orange juice 4 oz. Grenadine 1 Liter Woodford Reserve Bourbon 1 Liter club soda Combine sugar with the lemon and orange juice and stir well. Add Grenadine and Woodford Reserve and stir again. Add the club soda, garnish with mint sprig and Ice mold and serve. For an alcohol-free version substitute Woodford Reserve with sweetened ice tea. — RECIPE BY TIM LAIRD, CCO (CHIEF COCKTAIL OFFICER) OF LOUISVILLE-BASED BROWNFORMAN Julep Mintalicious Martini 2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon 2 oz. orange liqueur 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka 1 oz. Mint Julep syrup (stores like Arrow Wine sell this pre-made) 2 oz. tonic water Shake, strain, garnish with an orange slice and mint spring. — A LOUNGE LIZARDS TAKE ON A RECIPE FROM COCKTAILTIMES.COM
Run for the Roses Cocktail Serves 2 3 oz. orange vodka 2 oz. peach brandy 2 oz. Southern sweet iced tea (recipe below) 2 oz. fresh lime juice 2 rose petals for garnish Chambord for floating Add first four ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into two rocks glasses filled with crushed ice; pour Chambord so that it floats on the top of the drink. Garnish drink with rose petals. Southern sweet iced tea recipe Use five tea bags for one quart of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and add one cup of sugar while tea bags are steeping. Stir to dissolve. Place in refrigerator to cool. — CREATED FOR THIS YEAR’S KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVITIES BY GREY GOOSE VODKA’S NICK MAUTONE
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