Enjoy the Kentucky Derby the right way

This weekend an American tradition gives us ladies a reason to recycle our wide brimmed hats worn in honor of the Royal Wedding…The Kentucky Derby. Now, Kentucky is not typically a state teeming with tourists, but this weekend there will be over 150,000 people in attendance and millions more watching on television as horses run for the roses.

What is it about a horse race that attracts so many people?  Is it the history?  Tradition?  Perhaps maybe it’s the deep-set American belief of rooting for the underdog and conquering a dream. 

Adding further interest and intrigue are the horses names.  Such contenders as Decisive Moment, Watch Me Go and Pants On Fire will be racing the derby.  What horse would you bet on? 

Since Cinco de Mayo was also celebrated this week, perhaps the horse Mucho Macho Man will be the winner.  Dialed In has been the media's favorite, but this weekend, I'm betting on Stay Thirsty while sipping a traditional Kentucky Derby Mint Julep. 

Three simple ingredients comprise this delightfully refreshing drink:  bourbon, mint and sugar.  It is sort of like a Mojito without the lime.  Here's a recipe below so you can make this at home and raise your glass for your favorite horse.

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Mint
• 1 1/2 Cups Water
• Whole Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish)
• 6 to 8 oz Bourbon

Directions:

• 
  In a medium sauce pan, add water and bring to a boil.
• Next add sugar and chopped mint.
• Set temperature to low/medium to simmer and stir until sugar is dissolved.
• Use a sieve to strain the mint out of the simple syrup and pour into a glass pitcher.
• Add bourbon, ice and whole mint leaves to pitcher and serve!