Get your Derby on!

This Saturday is the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. This is an exciting time for us because there is so much to enjoy - off track betting, parties, fancy hats and of course bourbon! Horse racing is called the "Sport of King's" and we at the Hedonistic Bar may not be aristocrats, but we can certainly drink like we are. We've looked around and dusted off a recipe for a simple Mint Julep.

20 fresh mint leaves
1/4 oz. simple syrup
2 oz. Old Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Place mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup or medium glass. Muddle mint and simple syrup until fragrant. Fill cup half way with crushed ice. Pour bourbon over top and fill cup to the top with more crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a straw cut so that your nose is just above the mint sprig.

Now isn't that pretty? A cup frosted on the sides from the ice and a sprig of mint on top.....mmmm.....tasty........

And while we are talking about Mint Juleps, we need to mention Kentucky Derby inspired nums from the folks at Maker's Mark. We attended a Maker's Mark event a week ago for Maker's Mark Ambassadors. The reps brought up a great idea to use mint chocolate ice cream doused in bourbon as an alternative to the traditional Mint Julep - and we liked it! True, there is nothing that compares to a well crafted Mint Julep but what do you do when you can't get fresh mint or your crushed ice is more like chunky shards because all you did was smash a bag of ice with a hammer? You improvise! This is a quick and easy way to get that cold, minty taste mixed with your bourbon. "Yeah, but there's chocolate chips" you say. And we say - everything's better with a little chocolate *wink*

Cheers!