Derby Day is almost here! I’ve become a bigger fan of the Kentucky Derby ever since I watched the race live last year at the Santa Anita race track. The big event was displayed on the television, of course, but seeing the attendees all dressed with big, decorated hats nearby helped add to all the excitement. Even if we weren’t at the Kentucky Derby, it sure did feel like it!
Unfortunately, my horse didn’t win that day, but my friends and I still had fun dressing up ourselves and enjoying Mint Juleps. Mint Juleps are a
must. They are served every year at the Kentucky Derby (in real silver cups I hear), and some are even rumored to sell for a thousand dollars!
I finally purchased my first ever silver julep cup this year from Williams Sonoma, so I was very stoked to make a Mint Julep recipe suited for it. A classic Mint Julep recipe has crushed ice, mint, sugar and most importantly, bourbon. I decided to create a Mint Julep recipe with a little added flavor fun:
Mango Mint Julep.
The flavors of this drink still mimic that of a traditional Mint Julep, but with a tasty tropical twist. You may be asking yourself, “How do I get crushed ice?” I ended up making my own. If you can’t buy it locally, try wrapping a cup of ice in a clean dish towel, then smacking it with the back of a muddler or hammer, or even a flat side of a meat tenderizer. It may take a few minutes, but it’s a great way to get the same effect.
I hope your horse wins this Saturday, and if not, at least you’ll have a winning drink!
Mango Mint Julep
Ingredients:
2 mint leaves
3/4 oz mango mint syrup
2 oz bourbon
splash soda water
crushed ice
Garnish:
Thin sliced mange and mint sprig.
Mango Mint Syrup:
1 mango (peeled and cut-up)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 mint sprig
*In a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar and mango pieces to a boil with and stir until sugar dissolves. Let simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add a 1 large sprig of mint. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain using a fine-mesh sieve or a colander. Ready for use when cool. Refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.
Directions:
Add 2 mint leaves and mango mint syrup to a julep or double old-fashioned glass. Muddle. Add bourbon and soda and ice. Stir. Top with extra crushed ice and garnish. Enjoy!
