The Mint Julep By Connor Cortese

BLUE BELL, Pa. - May 26, 2015 - PRLog -- A Mint Julep is historically created with four ingredients: mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water. Historically, the mint is that of Southern states, and in Kentucky specifically. Correct preparation of the cocktail is usually debated, as strategies could vary significantly from one barman to another. The julep is also thought-about a member of a loosely associated family of drinks known as "smashes" (the hard liquor smash is another example, moreover because the mojito), within which contemporary mint and alternative ingredients are confused or crushed in preparation for flavoring the finished drink. The steps release /ssential oils and juices into the mixture, exacerbating the flavor from the superimposed ingredient or ingredients.

Traditionally, mint juleps were served in silver or metal cups, and command solely by the lowest and high edges of the cup. this permits frost to make on the skin of the cup. Ancient hand placement could have arisen as how to scale back the warmth transferred from the hand to the silver or metal cup. Today, mint juleps are most typically served in a very tall old school glass, Collins glass, or drinking glass with a straw

The julep has been promoted by Churchill Downs in association with the thoroughbred race since 1938. Every year nearly one hundred twenty thousand are served at Churchill Downs over the two-day amount of the Kentucky Oaks and throughout the race, nearly all of them in specially created race collectible glasses. Connor Cortese brings one home every year.

In a contract arrangement between the Brown-Forman Corporation and Churchill Downs that has lasted over eighteen years, the first Times julep Cocktail has been the selected "official julep of the thoroughbred race," though the first Times sold-out at intervals the us could be a Kentucky spirits, not a bourbon.

Since 2006, Churchill Downs has conjointly served extra-premium made-to-order mint juleps at a price of $1000- $2500 throughout the thoroughbred race. These mint juleps were served in gold-plated cups with silver straws, and were made up of Woodford Reserve bourbon, mint foreign from Sweden, spring water ice cubes from the state Alps, and sugar from Australia. The issue were wont to support charitable causes dedicated to retired race horses. WoodfordReserve and Early Times ar sister brands made by Brown-Forman, and beneath the terms of its current selling agreement with Churchill Downs, Woodford Reserve is termed the "official bourbon" of the event.

In 2008, Churchill Downs unveiled the world's largest julep glass. Churchill Downs, in conjunction with Brown-Forman, commissioned the Weber cluster to fabricate the 6-foot (1.8 m) tall glass  of the mint sprig is included). The glass was made from agency food-grade acrylic, heated and formed into the form of an officer 2008 lid glass. It had a capacity of 206 US gallons, and distributed the first Times mint juleps at the lid with an elaborate pumping system hid at intervals the "stir straw."

Recipe by Connor Cortese:

1 scant ounce minted simple syrup
2 cups crushed ice
2 ounces bourbon (such as Woodford Reserve)
Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

In a silver Julep cup, add minted simple syrup, then 1 cup crushed ice, bourbon, and splash of water. Add enough of remaining ice to almost fill glass. Stir well and garnish with mint sprig and enjoy !