Honoring Kentucky Derby with Mint Juleps!
May 01, 2020
The Kentucky Derby is typically the first Saturday in May, but this year has been pushed to September 5th, 2020. Regardless, Hart Agency will be dawning our hats & fascinators with a fresh Mint Julep to celebrate in spirit while we wait for the new date this fall! Read on for facts, a brief history, watch party ideas, and cocktail suggestions.
Derby History
Starting in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event in the United States. Known as "The Run for the Roses", the event has an interesting origin. It all started when the grandson of William Clark (of the Lewis & Clark duo), Meriwether Lewis Clark attended the Epsom Derby in England, and became pals with the French Jockey Club. Inspired, he wanted to bring a "spectacle horse racing event" back to the States. With the help of his uncles, John & Henry Churchill, who gave him the land he needed to build a racetrack, Clark founded the Louisville Jockey Club. From there, the racing enthusiasts raised the funds to build a permanent track in Louisville, KY, and sponsor the first Kentucky Derby on May 17th, 1875. Approximately 10,000 people were in attendance, with 15 Thoroughbred horses competing for the title in a mile & a half race, with Aristides as the winner.
Over the years, the Derby has adapted and developed to what it is today. Known as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports", we love to enjoy watching the races with Kentucky Bourbon in hand.
Old Forester
The Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby is the Old Forester Mint Julep! Enjoy this refreshing cocktail, perfect for spring, from the comfort of your home while educating yourself through a virtual tour of the distilleries and derby history, or set up a virtual zoom party with friends. If you can, make your life easier and grab a couple bottles of the premium bottled Old Forester Mint Julep. Simply pack a copper derby cup or Collins glass with crushed ice and fill with this premium bottled cocktail, add a few slapped mints, insert straw, and enjoy.
For those who are more hands on, start with a bottle of Old Forester 86 Proof (or any one of your favorite Old Forester varieties), and make one the old fashioned way:
Build the cocktail by adding 4-5 mint leaves to the bottom of the glass. Pour in 1/2 ounce simple syrup, 2 1/2 ounces Old Forester. Muddle the mint, then add crushed ice. Stir thoroughly, top with more ice, and extra mint sprigs for garnish.
In the spirit of the race, Old Forester will be hosting a virtual "Kentucky Turtle Derby" with you guessed it - a turtle race! See it 7:00 pm EST on Old Forester's YouTube Channel.
Woodford Reserve
As Presenting Sponsor, look out for the 2020 Commemorative Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottles, which include a striking watercolor painting by Louisville artist and former Atlanta Braves Baseball Player Richard Sullivan.
At the Derby, Juleps are typically around $15. However, high rollers can purchase a deluxe Mint Julep for $2500, which includes a handcrafted gold cup etched by a local jeweler, VIP experience at the track, & red carpet walk. What makes it all taste better? Not only the honey sweetener, but the knowledge that proceeds will be going to charity.
For those of us not able to make that sort of donation at this uncertain time, opt instead to get a bottle of Woodford Reserve and make your own Julep at home. The best way to do that? Tune into Woodford Reserve and Churchill Downs' social media pages tomorrow (Saturday, May 2nd, 2020) for specialized Derby content. You'll also find instruction direct from Master Distiller Chris Morris & Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall on stories & recipes (including mocktails!), at 2:00 pm EST, followed by a global toast at 3:00 pm EST on the Woodford Reserve YouTube Channel. Then tune in to NBC's re-airing of the 2015 Kentucky Derby from 3:00pm - 6:00, showcasing American Pharaoh's legendary Triple Crown run.
Another refreshing spring cocktail often enjoyed on Derby Day is the Woodford Spire, so get your ingredients now and be ready to craft your cocktail!
1 1/2 ounces Woodford Reserve
2 ounces lemonade
1 ounce cranberry juice
Add ingredients to glass and stir. Pour over crushed ice, and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Looking for additional interactive ways to enjoy the Derby? Check out www.KentuckyDerby.com to choose your favorite horse to win the virtual race. You can also make a charitable donation to COVID-19 Relief Efforts on their page, which Churchill Downs has pledged to match up to $1 million dollars. Together, we can raise up to $2 million dollars and make a difference in this pandemic.
We hope you are inspired, and thank you for reading! Please tag us on social media @hartagency showcasing your Derby attire and bourbon of choice. We look forward to toasting with you!
Cheers for now,
The Hart Team
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