Saturday, May 2, 2009

Derby Day

by Fredo

Today is the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The track is muddy and unlike last year's race which was notable due to the tragic death of the philly Eight Belles, there is no gail force winds to dry the track. So expect "mudders" to make good strides and the hat and seersucker set to get a little dirty!

The big news from Louisville is that Derby favorite "I Want Revenge" has been scratched. We have our money on Dunkirk (4-1) to Win, Desert Party (15-1) to Place, and Hold Me Back (15-1) to Show!

Since we cannot be at the Derby en vivo, Loungerati members will be watching the race across the city, state and nation. Here, at the Brooklyn HQ, I will be cooking up two types of Juleps, the "Jersey Julep" and a "Strawberry Julep", along with English summer punch favorite the Pimms Cup.

JERSEY JULEP
2 1/2 Oz of Laird's Applejack
1/2 Oz of Organic Maple Syrup
4 sprigs of mint
2 tsp. of water

Muddle mint leaves, syrup, and water in frosted mason jar glass. Fill glass with hand crushed ice, add applejack. More ice, garnish with a few mint sprigs, drink with stainless steel straw.

STRAWBERRY JULEP
3 Oz of Buffalo Trace 90 proof bourbon
1 tsp sugar
4 sprigs of mint
2 -3 strawberries

Muddle mint leaves, strawberries, and simple syrup in frosted mason jar glass or old fashioned glass. Fill glass with hand crushed ice, add bourbon. More ice and stir, garnish with a few mint sprigs, drink with stainless steel straw.

PIMMS CUP (or PIMMS Ginger Ale)
2 Oz Pimms No. 1
4 oz Ginger Ale
Slice lemon
Slice cucumber

Pour Pimms over ice in highball glass, top off with ginger ale, squeeze lemon slice and garnish with cucumber slice.

Enjoy the race, the drinks, and the haberdashery.

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