CULTURE – Derby Daze all over the South
The Kentucky Derby is our favorite thoroughbred horse race of the year at The Southern C. It is always held the first Saturday in May in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs. It is dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” It is also known as the “Run for the Roses” because the winner is robed in a blanket of roses.
Here are the essentials for a Derby Party:
– Play “My Old Kentucky Home” (played annually by the University of Louisville Marching Band). Here it is on YouTube.
– Wear a big elaborate hat. Nordstrom has a great selection.
– Drink Mint Juleps (Food Network has a video even) in silver cups.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bourbon
- 2 bunches fresh spearmint
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
Directions
To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.
Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.
To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.
If you are in one of these great southern cities, you should support a good cause and join in the fun:
WHO: Frederica Academy (pictured)
WHAT: 11th Annual Derby Day signature event fundraiser: Participants will enjoy an afternoon of spectacular horse-race viewing, exciting live and silent auctions and great southern fare and fellowship. The event will conclude with a post-race band party.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 2012
WHERE: The Sea Island Retreat Clubhouse on St. Simons Island, Georgia
WHAT: 4th annual Derby Day Party: come enjoy a wonderful Derby Buffet and specialty cocktails. Also try your luck on the Game of Chance tables.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5 at 3:00 PM
WHERE: Belle Meade Carriage House and Stables in Nashville, Tennessee
WHO: Brookgreen Gardens
WHAT: Reserve your tickets for Derby Day in the Gardens and help to raise money for Brookgreen Gardens. Ladies, find your finest derby hats and pick up seersucker clothing for the gentlemen and spend the day enjoying the gardens. Mint juleps will be served as bluegrass music fills the air. They’ll offer themed games, an auction and of course, a place to watch the big race.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5
WHERE: Brookgreen Gardens, Myrtle Beach, SC (in the Live Oak Allee near the Pavilion Restaurant at Brookgreen Gardens)
WHAT: From those who brought you the Charitable Ladies Derby Day for the past five years, they introduce the Austin Influential Group and Derby Day 2012. Featuring new attractions that will certainly make this year a memorable one! Mandy Lauderdale as our Master of Ceremonies; Fashion Show with styles by Tess Designs along with custom hats by Milli Star; Lite bites, Sweet treats, Drink specials and Raffle prizes
WHEN: Saturday May 5, 2:00
WHERE: Star Bar, Austin, TX
WHO: Young Affiliates of the Mint
WHAT: Derby Days entertainment includes live music and large screen coverage of the race live from Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. Attendees decked out in sundresses and seersucker watch “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” listen to live music, enjoy food from top area restaurants, and socialize with other YAMs.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5 4:00-8:00 PM
WHERE: Mint Museum Randolph, Charlotte, NC
WHO: Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
WHAT: Come and enjoy catered hors d’oeuvres and cocktails including the Derby’s signature drink, the Mint Julep, at the beautiful Lookout Pavilion overlooking the Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon including: Silent Auction and Games , Ladies “Best Hat” and Gentlemen’s “Best Dressed” Contests , Followed by the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports!”
WHEN: Saturday May 5, 4-7 PM
WHERE: Lookout Pavilion, Charleston, SC
The Kentucky Derby is our favorite thoroughbred horse race of the year at The Southern C. It is always held the first Saturday in May in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs. It is dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” It is also known as the “Run for the Roses” because the winner is robed in a blanket of roses.
Here are the essentials for a Derby Party:
– Play “My Old Kentucky Home” (played annually by the University of Louisville Marching Band). Here it is on YouTube.
– Wear a big elaborate hat. Nordstrom has a great selection.
– Drink Mint Juleps (Food Network has a video even) in silver cups.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bourbon
- 2 bunches fresh spearmint
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
Directions
To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.
Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.
To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.
If you are in one of these great southern cities, you should support a good cause and join in the fun:
WHO: Frederica Academy (pictured)
WHAT: 11th Annual Derby Day signature event fundraiser: Participants will enjoy an afternoon of spectacular horse-race viewing, exciting live and silent auctions and great southern fare and fellowship. The event will conclude with a post-race band party.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 2012
WHERE: The Sea Island Retreat Clubhouse on St. Simons Island, Georgia
WHAT: 4th annual Derby Day Party: come enjoy a wonderful Derby Buffet and specialty cocktails. Also try your luck on the Game of Chance tables.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5 at 3:00 PM
WHERE: Belle Meade Carriage House and Stables in Nashville, Tennessee
WHO: Brookgreen Gardens
WHAT: Reserve your tickets for Derby Day in the Gardens and help to raise money for Brookgreen Gardens. Ladies, find your finest derby hats and pick up seersucker clothing for the gentlemen and spend the day enjoying the gardens. Mint juleps will be served as bluegrass music fills the air. They’ll offer themed games, an auction and of course, a place to watch the big race.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5
WHERE: Brookgreen Gardens, Myrtle Beach, SC (in the Live Oak Allee near the Pavilion Restaurant at Brookgreen Gardens)
WHAT: From those who brought you the Charitable Ladies Derby Day for the past five years, they introduce the Austin Influential Group and Derby Day 2012. Featuring new attractions that will certainly make this year a memorable one! Mandy Lauderdale as our Master of Ceremonies; Fashion Show with styles by Tess Designs along with custom hats by Milli Star; Lite bites, Sweet treats, Drink specials and Raffle prizes
WHEN: Saturday May 5, 2:00
WHERE: Star Bar, Austin, TX
WHO: Young Affiliates of the Mint
WHAT: Derby Days entertainment includes live music and large screen coverage of the race live from Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. Attendees decked out in sundresses and seersucker watch “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” listen to live music, enjoy food from top area restaurants, and socialize with other YAMs.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5 4:00-8:00 PM
WHERE: Mint Museum Randolph, Charlotte, NC
WHO: Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
WHAT: Come and enjoy catered hors d’oeuvres and cocktails including the Derby’s signature drink, the Mint Julep, at the beautiful Lookout Pavilion overlooking the Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon including: Silent Auction and Games , Ladies “Best Hat” and Gentlemen’s “Best Dressed” Contests , Followed by the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports!”
WHEN: Saturday May 5, 4-7 PM
WHERE: Lookout Pavilion, Charleston, SC
Leave a Comment
One response on “CULTURE – Derby Daze all over the South”
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
The Kentucky Derby is hosted by my state…Kentucky, and the city of Louisville. You might like to check out my blog mykentuckyliving.wordpress.com
I will be posting many items about the derby and spring in Kentucky.