Derby Day

mood: confused
drink: see below

Did I miss something? When did Derby Day become a big thing?

Don't get me wrong, I remember occasionally watching the Kentucky Derby as a child and being particularly proud the one time I somehow randomly picked the winner. And I do dig mint juleps. But recently Derby Day appears to have become a new marketing angle. At least three local spots are advertising events with drink specials and fancy hat contests. I'm thinking it has to do with the hipster/mixologist-driven resurgence of bourbon and new "southern" restaurants with fancified $20-a-plate attempts at fried chicken that will never compare to Price's Chicken Coop.

I guess we just needed another legitimized excuse to drink during the springtime, somewhere in between St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo. And who am I to disparage a reason to drink bourbon in the middle of the day?

You don't need me to repeat a traditional mint julep recipe, why not check out "The Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby" here. But here's what I threw together for my Derby Day Drank.

Derby Day Drank

3 oz. bourbon
6 oz. sun tea
1 oz. mint simple syrup

Pour ingredients into a highball glass and stir. Fill with ice and enjoy.

Sun Tea

Drop 5 black tea bags in a 1/2 gallon Mason jar. Fill with water, cover, and place in the sun for 3-5 hours. Remove tea bags and chill in the refrigerator.

I guess I should say that some people worry about bacterial growth since the water isn't boiled. The water that probably came from your tap and that you put into a clean container. Be as paranoid as you want, but I've never had a problem. 

Mint Simple Syrup

1 cup spearmint leaves
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan. Slowly heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a slow boil. Turn off the heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a glass jar and let cool. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.