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

mages and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 30  1539 - Hernando de Soto, the Spanish explorer, landed in Florida with 600 soldiers to search for gold. 1868 - Memorial Day was observed for the first time in the U.S. 1879 - William Vanderbilt renamed New York City's Gilmore’s Garden to Madison Square Garden. 1922 - The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC. 1967 - Daredevil Evel Knievel jumped 16 automobiles in a row in a motorcycle stunt at Ascot Speedway in Gardena, CA. 1968 - The Beatles began recording "The White Album." _________________________________________________________ "Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence." --Henry Chester