The official Kentucky Derby Site - News, Videos and Wagering
The Early Times Mint Julep - the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Cocktails from Crown Royal
Our Mint Julep Recipe
7 things you should know about the Kentucky Derby
How read the racing form

Just in time for the derby, this involved, but oh so worth it Julep Recipe comes to us form the folks at Maker’s Mark. I think they know a bit about Mint Juleps.

The Perfect Mint Julep

1 liter Makers Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

This recipe is involved but worth it. If you must skip # 1, mint extract can be purchased at the local grocery.

1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Makers Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
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I had the pleasure to meet Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell at this past Fall’s whiskeyfest. Jimmy is a true legend in bourbon distilling, having been at it for 54 years. One thing Jimmy has learned in his years is that the perfect cocktail for the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep.

With 54 Derbies under his belt, Russell’s Julep has been precisely refined. He uses his higher proof of Wild Turkey 101, which produces a rich, deep and full taste.

Here’s Jimmy’s Julep recipe.

The 54 Julep

2 1/2 oz. Wild Turkey 101
3 sprigs of mint (six to eight mature-sized leaves)
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 cup crushed ice

In a traditional silver julep cup or double-old fashioned glass, mull two sprigs of mint with the brown sugar and one ounce of Wild Turkey 101 for a few minutes, crushing the mint leaves with a spoon. Add the crushed ice, the rest of the bourbon, and garnish with sprig of mint.

Enjoy!

Wild Turkey

After a meeting we ended up at Palomino on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The place is known for a great bar, wonderful bay views and innovative cocktails. Our server, Marsha, suggested I try this vodka martini flavored with a splash of 18 year old Glenlivet and Nolly Pratt Dry Vermouth. Not one to mix my vodka and whiskey, I was skeptical to say the least. Marsha ensured me it was tasty. She was right. The Scotch gave the cocktail a wonderful smoky flavor. Garnished with a pepperoni and a blue cheese stuffed olive this martini get a DOTW thumbs up.

Smoky Martini

3 oz. Grey Goose Vodka
Splash 18 year old Glenlivet Scotch
Splash Nolly Pratt Dry Vermouth

Combine is a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a blue cheese stuffed olive and a pepperoni.

Thanks Marsha!



Palomino - San Francisco
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From reader Jon comes a great way to dress up your Bourbon. Perfect for spring!

Orange Bourbon Press

2 oz. Bourbon
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
Soda water
Ginger ale
An orange slice

In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the orange slice (remove the rind and set it aside to be used as the garnish) and a splash of soda water. Add bourbon and Grand Marnier. Stir. Add ice and top with equal parts soda water and ginger ale. Stir.

Garnish with an orange twist.

Thanks Jon!
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Today everyone is Irish! Grab a green beer, a shot of Irish Whiskey and don something green.

Check out the official St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Dublin. Jameson is throwing a world wide party. See where to go in your town Jameson 360.

Irish Whiskey Reviews
Jameson
Jameson 12
Tullamore Dew

and Irish cocktails ….

A few St. Patrick’s Day Facts and Toasts. And just for kicks, learn how to fold a dollar bill into a shamrock.

Have fun today an be safe, remember it is still Monday.

And a special treat for the guys

This week DOTW was in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada for The Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade show. And what a show it is! We were immediately greeted by pumping club music, hip modern booths and flowing samples of every kind of liquor, beer and mixer imaginable.

Our first stop was at PINK Vodka (pictured left), which is infused with caffeine & guarana, perfect for an early Vegas morning. OK, it was 11 O’Clock. They were mixing PINK with fresh fruit juices created by David, their talented mixologist.

Next it was on to the Red Bull booth, er club (pictured right). Red Bull actually built a club on the trade show floor! We were greeted at the entrance to the booth by two girls in white vinyl outfits. Once inside there was a full bar (complete with stools) couches and two DJ spinning in front of a huge video screen. There were also a bunch more girls in the same outfits, some serving drinks and dancing on the bar! It’s hard work, but someone has to do it.
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