Today is...
National Mint Julep Day
Today
is Mint Julep Day! A mint julep is a delicious and refreshing summer
cocktail made with bourbon whiskey, mint, water, and sugar. A secret
trick that many bartenders use is to lightly “bruise” the mint before
adding the other ingredients. This releases the herb’s distinctive aroma
and flavor. A traditional mint julep is then served in a silver or
pewter cup filled with shaved ice.
According
to many sources, Kentucky Senator Henry Clay introduced the mint julep
in the 1800s. As early as 1816, county fair champions in the South
received silver julep cups as awards. Today, the mint julep continues to
be associated with the southern region of the United States, most
notably as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Over the course of
the two-day event, bartenders at Churchill Downs serve almost 120,000
mint juleps!
The Kentucky Derby may be over, but that’s no reason to stop enjoying this unique drink. Make one of these five mint julep recipes to celebrate the final race in the Triple Crown—the Belmont Stakes! (Tune in to watch it next Saturday, June 9.)
May is
National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month
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