A Derby Drink

The Mint Julep has been associated with horse racing since it became the official drink at the Kentucky Derby in 1938. No one knows where the drink was created, but it is a favorite to those in the south and those that love horse racing. In preparation for tomorrow's Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs here is the Early Times Mint Julep recipe from Churchhill Downs.

     Ingredients:
        * 2 cups sugar
        * 2 cups water
        * sprigs of fresh mint
        * crushed ice
        * Early Times Kentucky Whisky (or whisky of choice)
        * silver Julep cups

     Instructions:
        Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for 5 minutes. Cool and place in a 
        covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make 
        one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon of the mint 
        syrup and two ounces of whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. 
        Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Of course there are multiple ways to make this drink depending on where you are from. However, the best way to serve a mint julep is in a silver or pewter cup with mint. I also like to add a green stripped straw to my drink. Enjoy!

xoxo
Megan

For more Derby Party ideas check out these posts:
    - A Race to the Altar
    - Everyone Loves a Derby Party