You haven’t had an official Derby weekend without taking in a mint julep or two.  Are you aware of the drinks history in relation to the Kentucky Derby?

The mint julep is well-known as the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby, a position it has held since 1938. Each year almost 120,000 juleps are served at Churchill Downs over the two day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.  For over 18 years, the Early Times Mint Julep Cocktail has been the designated “official mint julep of the Kentucky Derby”.

At the 2006 Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs served custom-made mint juleps at a cost of $1000 each. The mint juleps were served in gold-plated cups with silver straws, and were made from Woodford Reserve bourbon, mint imported from Ireland, ice from the Bavarian Alps, and sugar from Australia. The proceeds were used to support charitable causes dedicated to retired race horses.

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Cake

Do we have any bakers (or wanna-be bakers) here in Waterford Place?  Try this recipe for Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Cake.  Let us know how it turns out (or better yet, drop off a couple slices at the office for Patrick and Missy).