Peach Raspberry Mint Julep
Race Day is almost here, y'all. Can't you just taste the mint juleps? Lexington-based blogger Jennifer of a girl eats world was kind enough to share a delicious, fruity take on Derby Day's favorite cocktail. It sounds delicious! -- HCW
Hey everyone!
I'm Jennifer, the mad-woman behind
, who is bringing the world to your kitchen table one recipe at a time. I love and adore this beautiful state of Kentucky and all she has to offer. I use local ingredients especially in the summer when the farmer's markets are open! Using those KY ingredients for international cuisines is pretty perfect in my world!
We all know what's right around the corner--the Kentucky Derby! One race tradition is to have the famed
! According to
, the Mint Julep has been sold at the Derby since 1938. Mint Juleps are traditionally served in silver or pewter cups, but this recipe is too beautiful to place in anything but a Mason jar!
{Peach Raspberry Mint Julep}
Traditional mint juleps are just simple syrup, bourbon, mint and ice, but I wanted something a little different this year. I was speaking with a bartender, and they made some suggestions that I had to try! For instance, using honey instead of simple syrup and adding some fruit. At the last minute, I decided to pour some sparkling cider in this drink which gives this a light, crisp finish. Watch out though! Those peaches pack a bourbon punch!
{I used
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
(seriously delicious, and I am not a bourbon drinker!)}
{Peaches soaked in bourbon overnight}
{Muddle fruit and mint together to release and mingle the flavors}
Peach Raspberry Mint Julep
Serves 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Stand time: 1 day
Assembly time: 10 minutes
- 2 peaches, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon (or whichever bourbon you prefer)**
- 1 pint raspberries
- 1 package mint leaves
- 8 tablespoons KY Proud honey, divided (one for each drink)
- Ice
- 1 liter sparkling cider
1. The day before your event, mix peaches and bourbon together and allow to set overnight.
2. Place a few peach chunks, a couple of raspberries, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 4-5 mint leaves in each glass.
3. Take a spoon and muddle the fruit together.
4. Add 1 oz of bourbon to each glass.
5. Top with ice.
6. Pour cider over ice.
7. Stir drink with a spoon.
8. Serve!
**Bourbon is a form of alcohol so please be responsible while consuming any beverage containing it.**
To say that this was delicious was an understatement! I can see making this beyond just for the KY Derby, during those hot summer days, when we have fresh peaches (we used peaches that we froze from last year) and mint that we planted.
Designing the Perfect Kentucky Derby Hat
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HerKentucky Turns 2!
Located in the heart of Bourbon Country, and with a history of making whiskey jugs, it’s only natural for Louisville Stoneware to have a line of Julep Cups.The exact origins of the Mint Julep are unknown, but it is said to have originated in the southern United States during the eighteenth century. U.S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the drink to Washington, D.C., at the Round Robin Bar in the famous Willard Hotel. It was also the favorite drink of American author William Faulkner. The Mint Julep is best known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, a position it has held since 1938, with Churchill Downs making over 120,000 for Derby fans each year.Chill your Stoneware Julep Cup in the freezer for at least 30 minutes – it can be stored there permanently if you like. With a slightly flared rim, this cup is perfect for slow sipping – the only way a julep should be enjoyed. For an authentic Julep-sipping experience, we suggest following the recipe on our Julep pitcher. Cheers!Your stoneware can be safely used in the oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer. Just remember to allow pieces from the dishwasher to cool before refrigerating. Likewise, you should allow refrigerated piece to return to room temperature before washing. As with any stoneware item, extreme and sudden variation in temperature may cause cracking or breakage.
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Mint Juleps
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While the mint julep is perhaps the most famous symbol of the Kentucky Derby, it has as many critics as it does fans. Louisville newspaperman Henry Watterson famously once described his own julep recipe: "Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form upon it. Select the choicer sprigs only, but do not rinse them. Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey. Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away and drink the whiskey." Here on HerKentucky, Cristina wrote that, while she loves the individual ingredients, she just can't get behind the finished product. I'm even the only julep afficionado in my own home; my fiancé considers the mint julep to be a waste of good bourbon.
Whether you love the sweet, minty compliment to your smoky, rich whisky or you simply think it's a waste of good bourbon, you have to admit that julep cups are a classic addition to any Southern home. Julep cups add a rich look to any flower arrangement or keepsake -- they're small enough to add elegance to any spot without overwhelming your space.So, while I still have to wait 100 days until I pull out my fabulous hat and dress and sip the season's first julep, I decided to bring a little julep culture into my life tonight. I made a little flower arrangement using a Louisville Stoneware julep cup and some springy blooms. Here's hoping it makes the countdown go by a little quicker!!