Kentucky Derby Classic Cocktail

I don't know about you but I'm very excited about the running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The race can be seen on NBC 5 with the post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. Here are some of my favorite reason first.

Why We Are Excited About The Kentucky Derby

Reason 1: Binghamton businessman Adam Weitzman and Coach Jim Boeheim have a horse in the race. Hidden Stash will be going from the 13th post position with his odds at 50/1. Weitsman said that he will donate any winnings to local charities.

Reason 2: It's back to running on the first Saturday in May. It felt kind of weird having the Run for the Roses in September last year.

Reason 3: Fans will be back at Churchill Downs as capacity has been opened to 45,000 (pre-pandemic was as high as 170,000) patrons.

Reason 4: It's a chance to enjoy the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail, Mint Julep.

Since the race doesn't begin until almost 7 p.m. on Saturday, you'll have time to make the drink of choice before the Derby begins. It consists of bourbon, sugar syrup, and mint.

Mint Julep recipe

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
16 oz Maker’s Mark bourbon
2 per mint julep
Crushed ice
10 sprigs fresh mint
8 mint julep glasses

Combine the water and sugar in a pot and bring to a boil to make simple syrup. Boil for about 5 minutes.
Cool and place in a covered container with 2 sprigs of fresh mine and refrigerate overnight.
To make your Mint Julep, start by filling each Mint Julep glass with crushed ice.
Add 1 tablespoon of the mint-flavored simple syrup then 2 oz. of Maker's Mark Bourbon.
Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the glass (Or grab a frosted mug out of the frig.)
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint (or just say "Sprig It" and skip it.) It serves 6-8...If they only want one. You may want to double (or Triple Crown) it, so that you have enough for all the festivities.

Sip and enjoy...or gulp and enjoy faster! That way if Hidden Stash doesn't come in the money, you won't care as much.

Good luck to Adam Weitsman, Coach Boeheim, and especially to Hidden Stash. Giddy-Up!!!