Derby Traditions

Since 1875, this respected tradition for both men and women has played an important role in history for racing fans and Churchill Downs. Like the Royal Ascot, hats have become a proper attire for all planning on being in the Clubhouse, Paddock or the Infield. The Kentucky Derby draws an average of 150,000 racing fans for the first Sunday in May, well-dressed racing enthusiasts with a Mint Julep in one hand and their racing program in the other, more eager than the next to bet on the winning Derby horse. From Hollywood celebrities to the party goers in the infield, one thing is for sure, don't arrive for the derby without your sombrero.
     
Mint Julep *Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups, and held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup. This allows frost to form on the outside of the cup. Traditional hand placement may have arisen as a way to reduce the heat transferred from the hand to the silver or pewter cup. Today, mint juleps are most commonly served in a tall old-fashioned glass, Collins glass, or highball glass with a straw.

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". 		Preparing a Mint Julep

Put mint, sugar, and a small amount of crushed or shaved ice into the bottom of a julep cup or tall glass. (Optional: Muddle the mint and sugar, then let stand for a bit to allow the broken leaves to release their flavor.) Add bourbon whiskey, top off with crushed or shaved ice, and stir well to mix and chill the mixture.
  *Source from www.kentuckyderby.com  
     
     

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