Kentucky Derby is on track with plenty of mint juleps Print E-mail

The Kentucky Derby is like a high-falutin' version of Fiesta, but with horse racing.

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Crazy hats and mint juleps are trademarks of the Kentucky Derby. Who says Kentucky doesn't have style?
THE RUNDOWN

What: Kentucky Derby simulcast and live racing

When: Derby at 5:04 p.m. Saturday, May 5; Live racing follows at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Retama Park, 1 Retama Parkway, Selma

How much: $2.50 admission

Info: Watch the Kentucky Derby on 700 monitors. There is plenty of space to watch and wager even if you don't have a seat. Call (210) 651-7000 or visit retamapark.com

There are crazy hats and riders jockeying for medals. And then there is the mint julep. The cocktail, made with Early Times whiskey, has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1987.

According to the Web site, almost 120,000 mint juleps are sold at Churchill Downs over two days for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

Last year, they started serving $1,000 custom-made mint juleps in gold cups for the ultimate experience and to raise awareness for retired jockeys' needs.

You don't need a thousand bucks to make your own mint juleps. All it takes is simple syrup, whiskey, mint leaves and crushed ice.

Crush some mint leaves in the bottom of a glass and then follow the recipe.

Or if you want an authentic environment, mint juleps will be served at Retama Park, where the 133rd Kentucky Derby will be simulcast at 5:04 p.m. Saturday, May 5. You can place an early bird wager at Retama Park starting at noon on Friday, May 4.

Post positions will be announced Wednesday, May 2. Visit free Web sites equibase.com or drf.com.

The race will feature a tribute to Barbaro, last year's winner who broke his leg in May at the Preakness Stakes. Barbaro was euthanized in January after complications from his injuries.

Jennifer McInnis | 210SA

 
The Early Times Mint Julep
 
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Silver julep cups

Directions
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five 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 1 tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Source: Kentucky Derby

 

 
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