I was on a flight from Louisville to Milwaukee last week, on my way to scout out the Brewers. While trying to decide between Budweiser Light and Budweiser Select, the stocky fellow next to me asked for a mint julep. That got me thinking.
I've never really enjoyed the taste of mint juleps. You won't see me ordering one at a fancy bar or sipping one while I grill steaks out on my porch. But once every year, you'll find me rubbing elbows with an entire crowd of mint julep junkies. And guess what? I'll have at least one in my hands, too. Why?
The Kentucky Derby.
For the readers who don't know, I was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, long before it was made famous by Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom. The Bluegrass State is still in my blood, so I've been celebrating it on the first Saturday in May since I can remember. Over the years, I've learned a lot about how to enjoy the race whether I'm in the infield, in the stands or watching on television. Use these tips and make the Kentucky Derby a day you'll remember.
Seeing it live:
Sure the comfort of your couch and convenience of replays are nice, but imagine what you're sacrificing. The Kentucky Derby in particular has more to offer in terms of atmosphere than any other sports event in America. That's right; forget your Super Bowls and World Series. Averaging over 150,000 spectators, the Derby is a big deal.
The infield at Churchill Downs is famous for its terrific party the day of the race. Around 80,000 spectators choose to watch the race from inside the track, where the music plays loudly and the alcohol flows freely. Throw in some barbeque and you've got the makings of a great time.
A short walk through a tunnel delivers you to the stands, where ladies wear extravagant hats, gentlemen sport monocles and everyone drinks the aforementioned mint juleps from silver cups. New this year is the $1,000 mint julep made of mint from Morocco, ice from the Arctic Circle and sugar from the South Pacific. The posh drink is served in a commemorative gold-plated mug complete with a silver straw.
Watching on TV:
Not everyone has the time and resources for a trip to Churchill Downs. Fortunately, the Kentucky Derby lends itself perfectly to a party at home. As with any get-together, good times, good food and good drinks are essential.
Horse racing owes its existence to gamblers. Since the focal point of your Derby party will only last around two minutes, it's best to milk it for all it's worth. Good-natured betting on the horses will help everyone get excited about the race. Non-monetary stakes are good for keeping the proceedings fun and light-hearted. Chocolates, favors and dares are just a few things that can be used in lieu of cash.
There are several traditional foods that are eaten on race day. The most famous of these is Derby Pie, a rich and delicious dessert. You can bake one yourself without too much trouble.
Mix together:
* 1 c. sugar
* 1/2 c. flour
* 2 beaten eggs
* 1/4 lb. butter
* 1 c. chopped pecans
* 12 oz. mini chocolate chips
* 1 t. amaretto
Pour it all into an unbaked pie shell and bake it for one hour at 350 degrees. It's even better served with whipped cream or ice cream.
It wouldn't be the Kentucky Derby without mint juleps.
To make your own, gather:
* 2 c. granulated sugar
* 2 c. water
* fresh mint
* crushed ice
* Kentucky bourbon
Make mint syrup by boiling the sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool the mixture and place it in a covered container with six to eight bruised mint sprigs. Put it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, make the juleps by filling julep cups with crushed ice. Add one tablespoon of mint syrup and two ounces of bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup and garnish with a fresh mint sprig. That amount of syrup should be enough for about 45 juleps.
Horse racing doesn't get a lot of publicity in these United States. All year, it lives in the shadow of more high-profile sports like football, basketball, baseball and hockey. The one exception is the first Saturday in May. On that day, all other sports are forgotten and the Kentucky Derby takes center stage. Make your way to Churchill Downs to see it live or have a party at home. Just enjoy the occasion and don't forget the mint juleps.
The horses in the Kentucky Derby always have colorful names, with Smarty Jones, Fusaichi Pegasus and Thunder Gulch being among the past winners. Submit a cool name for your fantasy horse at benchedfeedback@ticketliquidator.com and I'll post the best ones on the website.
