This weekend is a BIG drinkin’ weekend. The stars have aligned to bring together two of my favorite booze filled events into one day. First you have the patron day of saint Tequila, Cinco de Mayo, and second you have the ode to all things bourbon, the Kentucky Derby. Now, I don’t know about you but I am a little torn as to how I would like to approach such a monumental day. Do you start dark then go light, light then dark, or just drink whatever the hell is given to you? Whit and I are in a bit of a debate as to which holiday will take celebratory preference. (a bit? you must be kidding me, we aren’t on speaking terms over this.)
You might think that because Whit is from the state of pretty horses and fast women (yeas) that she would be inclined to be on the Bourbon train. You, however, would be mistaken. My beloved wife has a strange affinity for the mustache, god love her, so she is in full margarita mode. I, as you might have guessed, LOVE me some bourbon so I will be sticking to my mint juleps all day. (I hope your horse loses.)
Mint juleps are the kind of drink that are delicious and everyone likes but that no one wants to order at a bar because every time you do the bartender rolls their eyes, is pissed that they have to go source the mint from god knows where, and then promptly spits in said julep. I recently came to the realization that I had never made a mint julep before and wanted to see what all of the bartender fuss was about. Turns out, I showed up at home and we didn’t have any mint either…
Mint juleps are the kind of drink that are delicious and everyone likes but that no one wants to order at a bar because every time you do the bartender rolls their eyes, is pissed that they have to go source the mint from god knows where, and then promptly spits in said julep. I recently came to the realization that I had never made a mint julep before and wanted to see what all of the bartender fuss was about. Turns out, I showed up at home and we didn’t have any mint either…
Also, juleping is a skill I will most certainly need this weekend and for the rest of my life. Let me tell you that making a julep or mojito is really not that difficult. The only pain is making sure you have the right ingredients. I decided to Bouche mine up a bit and add some blackberries, but that is not necessary. Please enjoy and let us know how you will be spending your Sasserday, Julep or Marg style.
Blackberry Mint Julep
Spice up your Derby Day.
Ingredients:
- mint leaves - 8, plus 3 for garnish
- blackberries - 4, plus one for garnish
- agave nectar solution - 1/2 ounce
- Makers Mark Bourbon - 2 1/2 ounces
Instructions:
Cheers,
Brian
