Kentucky Derby Thread [CBD and Y-not]

As you know, we weekend co-bloggers live to serve. There was a request made for a Kentucky Derby thread... so here it is!

First, courtesy of our Sunday Food Thread proprietor, CharlieBrown's Di, here's the important thing: a recipe for Mint Julep.

This is a not-so-classic Mint Julep recipe from Andrew McIntosh, the bartender at Park West Tavern in New Jersey. He has asked to be described as a "Liberal Hipster Bartender." He is neither liberal nor hip, but he is certainly a bartender.

photo courtesy of tommy:eats

Mr. McIntosh's admonition was delivered forcefully: Mint Juleps are not intended to be sweet. "Sugar is used to only balance the drink, not to make it into a dessert."

3 ounces of good bourbon
3/4 ounce of simple syrup (1:1 by weight)
Add bruised mint to taste. Start with 3-4 sprigs and adjust accordingly.
Stir gently in lots of ice.
Strain into low-ball or rocks glass.
Garnish with sprig of fresh mint (for the aroma).

If you're curious about the history of this American concoction, you can read about it here.

According to Fortune magazine, this is how they drink them in style:

Now that you have your cocktail, let's settle down for the main event, a competition of amazing athleticism and exceptional beauty:

(More pictures of hats here. And here's a link that gives you some background on the fashionable side of the Kentucky Derby.)

Oh... and there's also a horse race. Looks like it starts in about an hour.

Most of you probably realize that the Kentucky Derby is the first of three races that make up the Triple Crown. (Not THIS one!)

The first winner I remember was Secretariat.

There is no truth to the rumor that Vic rode Sir Barton.

Or Sarah Jessica Parker, for that matter.

Open thread.

**UPDATE: There may be some alternative viewing options here.**

posted by Open Blogger at 05:49 PM

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