In a deferential tip of the hat to the week’s sporting events, if you care to call the Kentucky Derby a sporting event, here’s an interesting twist on The Essential Mint Julep.
When in doubt always go to the highest absolute authority possible when pursing an authentic recipe; today we offer the Ginger Julep stolen unashamedly right off the Kentucky Derby site (sponsored by Woodford Reserve).
We’re big fans of just about any and everything that contains (real) ginger, and the hint of smokey sweetness from the molasses should push this one over the top.
We’re still of the “it’s almost always better to fish when everybody is drinking and watching sporting events on the idiot box’ camp, and once again we’ll probably be fishing this weekend when folks by the houseful will be enjoying their dose of vitamin B (bourbon) while watching fast ponies, strange hats, and the fashion paradox that is the Southern Man parade by at the Kentucky Derby.
Saturday afternoon will once again find us fishing (or nursing some hunk of protein on a wood-fired smoker), though we’ll be having one of these when we get home and maybe, just to fully celebrate the Derby, again on Mother’s Day.
1 and 1/2 ounces good bourbon
1 medium piece of candied ginger
1/4 tsp. good molasses
Juice of 1/2 fresh lime
3-4 ounces bitter lemon sodaGarnish: Lime twist
Muddle everything but the bitter lemon soda in a cocktail shaker, then pour into ice filled (rocks) glass.
Top with the bitter lemon soda and garnish with a lime twist.
Enjoy.
