Kentucky Derby: Perfect Recipes to Make Your Party a Hit
Heather M. Marlman
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As the Kentucky Derby fast approaches many people are already in the process of planning out Derby events for the big day. But, after you have the big screen television all ready to go and the ra 
cing forms ready to pass out to your guests, it's time to consider the two critical elements that should be a part of every Derby celebration: Mint Juleps and Pie.
The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. And what race day would be complete without a healthy slice of Pie as you celebrate the Run for the Roses.
Here are the recipes that are sure to make your Kentucky Derby event one that your guests will remember for a long time to come!
Mint Juleps
4 cups bourbon
2 bunches fresh spearmint
1 cup distilled water
1 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 its right, pour the mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours.
5. To serve the julep, fill glasses 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.
The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. And what race day would be complete without a healthy slice of Pie as you celebrate the Run for the Roses.
Here are the recipes that are sure to make your Kentucky Derby event one that your guests will remember for a long time to come!
Mint Juleps
4 cups bourbon
2 bunches fresh spearmint
1 cup distilled water
1 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 its right, pour the mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours.
5. To serve the julep, fill glasses 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.
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Each year, almost 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.