‘Tis the season for floppy hats and seersucker. As the Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, so too is an excuse to start (or keep) drinking lots of Kentucky bourbon. For some, May 1-2 will bring days spent at Churchill Downs drinking whiskey straight from the heart of the bluegrass state. For others, the weekend will mean little more than seeing the evidence of these happenings on Instagram.
Regardless, the season of Mint Juleps is upon us and they can be enjoyed by all, regardless of costume or horse preference. A classic Mint Julep usually contains bourbon, fresh mint, sugar and crushed ice.
Mint Juleps can be tough to find on cocktail menus, sometimes due to a lack of fresh mint or a general distaste for the drink. Many bars will be able to whip you up their own version as long as they have the necessary ingredients, but if you’re planning on celebrating Derby Weekend in Columbus, Bar 145 in Grandview and Barrell on High in the Short North plan on slinging the Kentucky Classic in celebration of the race. If mint isn’t your style, Tip Top Kitchen serves a Columbus inspired ‘Bus-Town Julep that replaces the fresh mint with a more savory, Ohio combination of Ohio Maple Syrup, Old Crow Whiskey, sour & club-soda.
If you’re planning to Derby down at home but aren’t up for drink prep, Old Forrester recently came out with a ready-to-drink Mint Julep, which was even more recently named the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Unlike many drinks that try to replicate cocktails and end up being overly sweet or riddled with notably artificial flavors, the 60-proof Old Forrester Mint Julep is surprisingly balanced and tasty. So if you like bourbon and mint, or want to feel fancy like your Derby bound buddies, Old Forrester Mint Julep might be one to add to the shelf.
