History behind mint juleps and the Kentucky Derby
Fox News' Janice Dean joins Woodford Reserve distiller Elizabeth McCall to learn how to make a mint julep
The Kentucky Derby — held every first Saturday of May — takes place on May 4, 2024, this year.
Many have called it the most exciting two minutes in sports.
It's the first leg of the American Triple Crown — followed by the Preakness Stakes, then the Belmont Stakes.
KENTUCKY DERBY HATS THROUGH THE YEARS
"During Derby Week, Louisville is the capital of the world," John Steinbeck wrote years ago.
"The Kentucky Derby, whatever it is — a race, an emotion, a turbulence, an explosion — is one of the most beautiful and violent and satisfying things I have ever experienced."
Chef Paula Deen is pictured all ready for the Kentucky Derby in May 2022. (Kelli Boyd)
It's also an event that millions of people watch every year — from their homes or their local watering holes — with many looking to sip a mint julep in honor of the event (or maybe just because).
Celebrity chef Paula Deen created her own thirst-quenching mint julep recipe — and graciously agreed to share it.
"Put on your best hat, turn on your television and sit back with this fabulous mint julep — and you’ll think you are there!"
Deen told Fox News Digital, "If you can’t go to the Kentucky Derby, just bring the derby home to you."
"Put on your best hat," she added, "turn on your television and sit back with this fabulous mint julep — and you’ll think you are there!"
Chef Paula Deen discussed her cookbook, "At The Southern Table with Paula Deen" at Build Studio on Sept. 22, 2017, in New York City. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Here is Paula Deen's recipe for mint julep in honor of Kentucky Derby Day.
Ingredients
Crushed ice
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 bunch mint
Bourbon
(Prep time: 3 minutes; cook time: 3 minutes; servings: 3)
A racegoer holds a mint julep cocktail before the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Saturday, May 4, 2019. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepot, add sugar and water; stir.
2. Let simmer or until sugar dissolves.
3. Steep mint in the simple syrup.
4. Strain the mint from the syrup. Let cool.
5. Fill a julep glass with crushed ice.
6. Pour a few tablespoons of the mint simple syrup over the ice, then fill the glass with bourbon.
7. Garnish with mint.
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Enjoy!
"If you can’t go to the Kentucky Derby, just bring the derby home to you." (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
For more information on Paula Deen's recipes, anyone can visit pauladeen.com.
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