Five Must-Have Items for the 140th Kentucky Oaks
Here in Louisville, folks know that The Kentucky Oaks has a longtime reputation as The Locals' Race. In recent years, the Friday event, with its signature Grade I stakes race for three year-old fillies, has become a celebration of all things pink. The Stargazer Lily adorns everything from the race's logo to the garland awarded to the winning horse. The race celebrates survivors of breast and ovarian cancer. The race's signature drink -- as Glenda told us last Oaks Day -- is The Oaks Lily. And, you can rest assured, most everybody in Louisville will be at Churchill Downs for Oaks. Louisville schools dismiss for the day and most offices close early. This morning, my barista was even getting into the spirit, pairing a festive pink fascinator with her Starbucks-issued green apron.
Oaks Lilly Julep Cup from Louisville Stoneware |
I love this bag! So springy and fun, with an equestrian twist.
Kentucky Oaks Tote from Rebecca Ray Design |
Kentucky Oaks Bow Tie from Beau Ties Ltd. |
140th Kentucky Oaks Poster 140th Kentucky Oaks Glass |
The Berry Cobbler Mint Julep
A couple of weeks ago, on a rare date night with my husband (we have a two-year-old, after all), we were strolling around downtown Lexington all footloose and fancy free when I noticed a "new" mural on an old, familiar wall, only to be informed it has been there for a long time. Like I said, I don't get out much.
Herekut Mural on Market Street; 2012 Lexington Mural Project
My eyes drifted around the corner, to the front of the building, and straight into Belle's Cocktail House. True to the hip and cool image we were portraying after we ditched the decidedly un-cool mini-van in a parking lot, we decided to go inside and check it out. I assumed the name had a connection to Lexington's infamous Belle Brezing, on whom the character Belle Watlingin "Gone with the Wind" was modeled. Much to my delight, the portrait of Belle Brezing hanging in the downstairs bar confirmed this connection.
Gatewood's Manhattan caught my eye. I loved Gatewood Galbraith and a Manhattan is my favorite drink. The perfect marriage. (Okay...I must confess I asked the bartender to drop most of the liquid smoke since I dislike smoke flavor. I felt guilty about it, but reassured myself that Gatewood would tell me to do whatever the heck I wanted.)
Although not on the menu, our bartender told us about Belle's own Josh Naylor's prize winning Berry Cobbler Mint Julep, People’s Choice Winner 2014 Four Roses Mint Julep Competition. He had me at "berry cobbler." If you're looking for a new julep recipe or find yourself in Belle's neighborhood, I highly recommend this delicious beauty. (It may not be on the menu, so be sure to ask for it.)
The Berry Cobbler Mint Julep Recipe
People’s Choice Winner 2014 Four Roses Mint Julep Competition
(Published by The Bourbon Review)
Recipe by Josh Naylor of Belle’s Cocktail House (Lexington, KY)
Ingredients
- 15-20 mint leaves (depending on size)
- 8-10 blueberries (depending on size)
- 1/4 lemon
- .75 oz blackberry simple syrup
- .25 oz vanilla cinnamon simple syrup
- 1.75 oz Four Roses Small Batch
- Crushed ice
- Plum bitters
- Mint sprig (for garnish)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Preparation
Add mint leaves, blueberries and the juice of a 1/4 of a lemon into the bottom of a double rocks glass. Gently muddle just enough to break up the blueberries and release the oils of the mint. Add the blackberry syrup, vanilla cinnamon syrup and the bourbon directly into the glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice. With a bar spoon stir the contents in order to pull the muddled ingredients up away from the bottom of the glass. Fill the rest of the way with crushed ice mounding it as much as possible. Add 1-2 dashes of plum bitters on top of mounded ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and fresh sprig of mint.
Vanilla Cinnamon Simple Syrup
In a sauce pan add 16 oz. light brown sugar, 16 oz. distilled water, 1 whole vanilla bean split in half, 1 whole cinnamon stick and 1 whole allspice berry. Bring all ingredients to a boil making sure to stir constantly in order to help the sugar completely dissolve and not burn. Once a boil has been reached, reduce heat to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce by half (about 30 minutes) stirring occasionally. Let cool and strain into a resealable container or storm pourer ready for use.
Blackberry Simple Syrup
In a sauce pan add 16 oz. light brown sugar, 16 oz. distilled water, 8 oz. fresh blackberries and 1/4 tsp. of freshly grated nutmeg. Bring all ingredients to a boil making sure to stir constantly in order to help the sugar completely dissolve and not burn. Also use the spoon you are stirring with to help break up the berries and release their juice. Once a boil has been reached, reduce heat to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce by half (about 30 minutes) stirring occasionally. Let cool and strain (making sure to press the berries to get out all the liquid leaving nothing but the seeds and pulp in the strainer) into a resealable container or storm pourer ready for use.
The Bourbon Review is hosting its first annual Bourbon Review Derby Party, Derby At Belle's. $30 tickets include brunch with Wild Eggs, 3 drinks and giveaways for best Derby Hat and Dapper Dressed Guy. Proceeds go toward the Friends of the Lexington Mounted Police.
Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show
I always thought of Off Broadway as "The Place We Go To Look For Bob's Dress Shoes"; I had no idea they would have such an awesome selection of Kentucky Derby Hats!
Carole Amper adds the perfect touch to one of her hats. |
Celebrating Derby Days at the Kentucky Derby Festival Chow Wagon.
All Kentucky'ed out -- Bluegrass Tee by Old Try; KY Necklace by Southern Belle Glitz; Derby Festival Pegasus Pin. |
Designing the Perfect Kentucky Derby Hat
Win a Kentucky Derby Hat from Goorin Bros!
Can you believe that it's already time to plan your Kentucky Derby outfits and finalize your plans for Derby Day?
Goorin Bros Hats wants help you get ready for Derby with a hat from their Kentucky Derby Hat collection.
Established in 1895, Goorin Bros has carried on the tradition of authentic family craftsmanship for five generations. This year, they want to help one lucky HerKentucky reader get ready for the Derby in style!
The winner will choose from the Ms. Churchill Straw Boater
HerKentucky Derby Days: Rebecca Ray Designs Bracelet Giveaway!
Happy Oaks Day, y'all!
With Derby almost here, we have one more Derby Days giveaway for you. Megan B recently profiled the lovely equestrian designs of Rebecca Ray Designs. I just love these products, too. They've got a horsey vibe, but are a little edgy and at times kitschy. I mean, how cute is this bag?
The Leona |
Leather Flask with Rosette |
Rebecca Ray Designs has kindly offered to give one lucky HerKentucky winner this gorgeous bracelet.
It's a croc print leather cuff bracelet with a silver horse bit embellishment in a stunning shade of cobalt blue. It will be so perfect for UK games or a day at the track. It's a fresh, fun interpretation of classic equestrian style, and I think y'all will just love it!
Contest runs through Derby Weekend, so you have until midnight on Sunday to enter.
Good luck, and Happy Derby Days!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
{No member of the HerKentucky writing staff was compensated for this post.}