Horseracing fans are entering the homestretch toward the running of the 135rd Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs on May 2. Whether you can attend the most exciting two minutes in sport or not, you can enjoy a Julep and get a taste of Kentucky at its best.
The Mint Julep became the signature drink on the first Saturday in May in 1938 when they started to serve the drink in souvenir glasses for 75 cents at the Derby. Today Kentucky Derby serves more than 80,000 juleps over the two-day event.
The Mint Julep 
3 ounces Bourbon
6 Fresh mint leaves
6 Fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon superfine sugar
Crushed ice
Muddle mint leaves with superfine sugar and a little water in a mint julep cup. Fill the cup with ice. Pour bourbon and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
The rose garland for the Kentucky Derby winner is a tradition which began in 1896 when Ben Brush was given a floral arrangement of white and pink roses for winning and in 1904 the red rose became the Derby's official flower. In 1925, a New York sports columnist who was later the president of Churchill Downs, dubbed the Kentucky Derby the "Run for the Roses," a term still used today. The current form of garland was established in 1932.
Each year, a garland of over 554 Classy red roses are hand sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the twin spires of Churchill Downs and number of the running on the other. The process begins the afternoon of Derby Eve when three Kroger floral designers begin the 8-10 hour task. The garland is 2 1/2 yards long, 14 inches wide and weighs 45 pounds. Each garland is also adorned with a "Crown" of roses, green fern and ribbon. With a single rose pointing upward in the center of the "Crown," it is symbolic of the struggle and heart necessary to reach the winners' circle. The winning jockey also receives a bouquet of 60 long stemmed roses wrapped in ten yards of ribbon.
Visit other Ruby Tuesday sites athttp://workofthepoet.blogspot.com
Visit other Tasty Tuesday sites at http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com
14 comments:
Great story! We always have a big Derby Day celebration sponsored by the Historical Society. I always watch! It is so exciting!
This was so interesting and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Charla
My brother lives five minutes from Churchill Downs and although I have taken a tour of it, I have never gone to the actual Derby. I was there once for Derby week, which is a great festival and fun time and of course, the mint juleps are flowing!
Thanks for the pics and information! :-D
xoxo
Jane
Beautiful photos... wish I could be there!
I really enjoyed this post as it brought back good memories of Derby past. We attended in 1993 and sat on Millionaire's Row. I went to the ladies room and was offered 10K for my seat at the finish line....no I turned it down as it would have been a huge insult to our hosts. We were seated near the likes of Bo Derek, John Goodman and George Strait that year. I could not drink the Mint Juleps, too strong for this Yankee I guess! LOL! It was quite fun shopping for an outfit and hat. The race was exciting as our pick did win but one of the highlights for our family was Thunder Over Louisville two weeks prior to kick off the Kentucky Derby event. It's the largest fireworks display along with an air show. Our kids still have fond memories growing up. If you ever get a chance to go once in style, do it!
Lovely Libby...sorry I have been in the yard the last few days...I am dead..but reading :-)
Wonderful Libby!! I looove the Derby have only missed two. My daughter was born on Derby day...the Dr. wanted to break my water 4 minutes before post time - I made him wait until the race was done. He seemed a bit shocked at first but then pulled up a chair and relaxed for a minute and cheered along with me. Then - I had a baby - lol!!
Hugs, Sarah
Gosh and I struggle to arrange some flowers in a vase. What a huge undertaking. I think a mint julep would be something I would really like as I do love mojitos and I would imagine the bourbon would taste much better than rum. Hmmmm 3 oz. in a drink. Better watch those ones.
I'll be enjoying some mint juleps on Saturday, when we attend our annual Ky Derby party! It's a fun party and for a good cause~a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's hospital.
Mint juleps and Derby pie and parties are so much fun. I had no idea those roses were sewn on by hand and by Kroger too. We use to live in Ky for two years but never did go to the derby. I always wanted to wear a big hat. We did go to the Ky Horse Park and that is interesting and fun. Thanks for sharing.
Joyce
I have always watched and enjoyed the Ky Derby.. BUT--I've never been!!!! I love old traditions like that.. The Derby is the KING of all horse-races.
If I ever get there, I'll need to buy me a new dress and HAT...
Have you been, Lib???
Hugs,
Betsy
A very nice blog. I like it. Great shots too..
Weve always been great fans of the derby, i have been going since I was 19 yrs old and thats to old to count back too!! Great post, 3 yrs ago we went to keeneland to watch what a faboulous day!!! Cheers to the best 2 minutes in Sports!!
thanks again
kate
Such fun to read about it. Being from the north and then moving to the south, I feel like I am getting into it more and more. :)
Thanks for sharing it at Tasty Tuesday.
Post a Comment