Latest news with #MintJulep
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Honoring the forgotten fillies: Derby mint juleps support retired mares at Our Mims Haven
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — As the spotlight turns to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, one Bourbon County farm is quietly stealing hearts, not with race-day roses, but with a mission of love, rescue, and redemption. Our Mims Retirement Haven, tucked away in Paris, Kentucky, is a sanctuary for broodmares — the unsung heroes of horse racing. These mares raced, foaled, and raised the champions that go on to make headlines. But after their breeding careers end, many are overlooked. That's where this haven steps in. 'There's a big difference between caring for horses and working with horses,' said Ann Cheek, the farm's vice president and barn manager. 'Here, we get to know them. They've really got great personalities and just want to be with you.' Named after the 1977 champion filly Our Mims, the farm was founded by Jeanne Mirabito. She discovered the once-glorious mare living in poor condition and made it her mission to give older mares the dignity they deserved. Jeanne cared for more than 60 mares before passing away in 2020, but her legacy lives on in every gentle nicker and soft nose nudge. Read more of the latest Kentucky Derby news 'Jeanie was probably the sweetest, nicest person on the face of the earth, but she was a bulldog when it came to these horses,' Cheek said. 'This was her dream. She made sure the ladies got the recognition they deserved.' This year, that recognition is going national — thanks to Woodford Reserve's annual $1,000 Mint Julep fundraiser, which benefits Our Mims for the first time. Just 150 handcrafted cups are sold each Derby Day, with proceeds going directly to support the care, feeding, and vet bills of the mares. 'It takes so much to take care of them. Each one gets individual care — we don't just throw the same feed to everybody,' Cheek said. 'This support helps us feel secure this year. We're small, sometimes looked over, but this means a lot.' Some mares at the Haven were once stars themselves. 'Love Locket was Toby Keith's horse. My Trusty Cat has a stakes race named after her in Louisiana. Sweet Ambition won $250,000 on the track before ending up in a kill pen,' said Cheek. 'Now she's healthy and happy here.' Others arrive with no trophies — just a need for safety, space, and love. 'Some of these girls have done very well, and some… we don't care if they've won a dime. Their biggest job was raising those babies and teaching them how to be part of the herd,' Cheek explained. 'They're the hardest-working horses in the industry.' Read more of the latest Kentucky Derby news And while Derby Day focuses on the next generation of greats, at Our Mims, it's the retired mares who take center stage — the fillies behind the fame, finally getting the credit they deserve. 'She told me once that when Mims passed, she didn't think she could do it anymore,' Cheek said of Jeanne. 'But she thought she had to — because Our Mims wanted her to help other old mares. So that's what she did.' Want to support the ladies of Our Mims?You can learn more, donate, or even schedule a visit at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The 10 best signature drinks at sporting events: From the Mint Julep to the Pimm's Cup
There's this insider-y feeling that comes with attending certain sporting events for the first time. It happens when you discover a particular tradition unique to that sport, stadium or team. Whether it's your first seventh-inning stretch as a child or your first taste of a Mint Julep at Churchill Downs as an adult, these little rituals or tokens make each event feel larger than the sport itself. They create a culture. Advertisement Some of the most prestigious sporting events in the world — especially tennis, golf and horse racing — have capitalized on fans' thirst for these touchstones of tradition by embracing a buzzier taste of culture: signature cocktails. Last year, the US Open's Honey Deuce made millions. The Australian Open said 'Hold my beer' and debuted its signature cocktail, the Lemon Ace, this year. And of course, the original, the great-grandaddy, shall we say, of the sporting world's signature cocktails is the Kentucky Derby's Mint Julep. Thousands of juleps are poured at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby this weekend. Here's how to make one at home in five minutes. [image or embed] — The New York Times (@ April 29, 2025 at 9:29 AM Elizabeth McCall, the master distiller for Woodford Reserve, told The Athletic that these signature drinks are about 'creating a moment, to make it more than just a race.' Marketing gimmick? Sure. But also a whole lot of fun for fans. What is our love for sports if not a shared culture with traditions passed down over generations? So, with the Kentucky Derby around the corner, we're rounding up our top 10 favorite signature cocktails at sporting events. We'll share a bit of the history, what we love about them, and, of course, an easy recipe for each. Make the drinks with your friends this Saturday, or bookmark the story for your next favorite event on the annual sports calendar. The Mint Julep is at least 100 years older than the Kentucky Derby, originating in the U.S. in the mid-to-late 1700s, and has been served at Churchill Downs since the race's inception in 1875. The concept of the julep traces its origins back to ancient Persia, where rose petals were added to water for medicinal purposes. Eventually, the basics of a julep emerged: sugar, mints, spirits. In the U.S., the julep evolved into a form of creative expression by Black mixologists in the 19th century, many of whom were enslaved people and did not receive credit for their creations until more recent historical accounts. In 1939, the Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. McCall told The Athletic that Churchill Downs sources 50,000 liters of Woodford Reserve bourbon each year and 28,730 bunches of spearmint from Nelson Family Agriculture to make 120,000 Mint Juleps for Derby week. Advertisement Ingredients Preparation The Pimm's Cup has been a British summer classic for over a century, but the drink rose to prominence at Wimbledon in the 1970s and 80s after the first Pimm's bar reportedly popped up at the 1971 tournament. The key ingredient, Pimm's No. 1, was invented by London oyster-bar owner James Pimm sometime between 1823 and 1840, reportedly to aid in the digestion of his shellfish. Now, over 300,000 Pimm's Cups are sold to fans every year at Wimbledon. The tennis major has a second signature drink: Champagne! Ingredients Preparation The trademarked (yes, trademarked!) US Open Honey Deuce is a relatively new entry to the cocktail club, invented in 2006 by New York City restaurateur and mixologist Nick Mautone, who Grey Goose commissioned to create a signature cocktail for the tennis major. In the perhaps apocryphal origin story, Mautone was inspired when he saw balled honeydew melons at a farmers' market in the Hamptons and thought they resembled tennis balls. Now, more than 450,000 Honey Deuces are sold each year at the Open at $23 per drink and rake in more than $10 million in sales — a higher price point than the $3.6 million awarded to men's and women's singles winners. Ingredients Preparation The Oaks Lily is a relative newcomer compared to its ancient brother, the Mint Julep. McCall told The Athletic that the Oaks Lily was crafted around 1999 by Woodford's now master distiller emeritus, Chris Morris. Morris created the Lily essentially as a marketing tool for the Kentucky Oaks, to draw more attention to the filly race and Friday's action at Churchill Downs. The drink is bright pink to mirror the deep pink in the garland of lilies placed on the Oaks winner. Now, the Survivor's Parade enriches that pink tradition, and Friday's patrons are encouraged to wear pink in honor of breast and ovarian cancer awareness. Ingredients Preparation Named after the Maryland state flower, the Black-Eyed Susan is the official drink of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown. The drink was first created in 1973 and has since appeared in several variations. Like the other Triple-Crown race signature drinks, bourbon forms the base, but a mix of peach schnapps, vodka and orange juice makes it fruity and refreshing. Ingredients Preparation The French Open banned alcohol in the stands in 2024 after rowdy fan behavior disrupted the event. Though it is no longer served there, the Ace Royal has long been associated with Roland-Garros, and fans make the drink at home to watch the major. Ingredients Preparation Named for the vibrant blooms that grace Augusta National — a name shared by the 13th hole — the azalea cocktail is the traditional drink of the Masters Tournament. According to Wine Enthusiast, the origin of the azalea beverage is disputed, with varying accounts of its creation and appearance. However, many claim it debuted at the first Masters in 1934. Think of this as a take on a boozy cherry lemonade. The Azalea is the signature cocktail of the Masters — but what's the recipe? Augusta National spilled its — (@GOLF_com) March 29, 2024 Ingredients Preparation The Belmont Jewel is the official drink of the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes. As is typical with American horse racing, the central ingredient is a good bourbon whiskey. Ingredients Preparation The Australian Open debuted a signature drink this year, one inspired by the US Open's Honey Deuce, which became a viral sensation and one of the most-searched drinks of 2024. The 'Lemon Ace' is another refreshing drink mixed with locally inspired ingredients like fresh citrus and passion fruit. Ingredients Preparation The Woodford Reserve Spire is a newer signature drink at Churchill Downs, blending elements of the bourbon-focused julep with the citrus-and-cranberry refreshment of the Oaks Lily. Ingredients Preparation (Top image: Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; Photos: HorsePhotos, Logan Riely, Julian Finney, Monica Schipper, Jason Kempin / Getty Images)
Indianapolis Star
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Giddy up! Shop must-have Kentucky Derby gear from Fanatics ahead of racing day 🐎
The 151st Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 3. Fanatics has numerous items for purchase to help commemorate the iconic event. It's nearly time for the famed Kentucky Derby gates to open at Churchill Downs, where some of the top horses and jockeys from around the world will be competing for $3.1 million and a chance at the famed gold trophy. While fans of the horse race won't be taking home any major cash (unless, of course, they bet correctly on the winning horse), they can still own a piece of history from the 151st Kentucky Derby and get new Kentucky Derby gear just in time for the event on Saturday, May 3. Fanatics recently dropped merchandise in honor of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, which includes T-shirts, special Mint Julep glasses, Kentucky Derby hats, sweatshirts and more. 1. Kentucky Derby Vineyard Vines Distressed T-shirt 2. 151st Kentucky Derby 12 oz. Mint Julep Glasses 151st Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glasses Enjoy any drink in these 12 oz. glasses, which include the name of every horse that's won the Kentucky Derby. Shop at Fanatics 3. 151st Kentucky Derby '47 Splint Adjustable Hitch Hat 151st Kentucky Derby '47 Splint adjustable hitch hat While it's not a crazy hat you're accustomed to seeing at the Kentucky Derby, this hat has a cool throwback look that's designed to stand out. Shop at Fanatics 4. Kentucky Derby Gameday Social Chenille Oversized Pullover Sweatshirt 5. Kentucky Derby Smathers & Branson Life Belt Calling all, parents! Save 20% on new car seats at Target's car seat trade-in event HexClad's exclusive Mother's Day cookware sets are up to $1,456 off 🔥 Low price alert! $20 annual Sam's Club memberships are here Amazon's Summer Beauty Event is here! Save up to 55% on makeup, skincare and more We found up to 93% in savings on lifetime Microsoft licenses, Apple Watch chargers and more
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Giddy up! Shop must-have Kentucky Derby gear from Fanatics ahead of racing day 🐎
Giddy up! Shop must-have Kentucky Derby gear from Fanatics ahead of racing day 🐎 It's nearly time for the famed Kentucky Derby gates to open at Churchill Downs, where some of the top horses and jockeys from around the world will be competing for $3.1 million and a chance at the famed gold trophy. While fans of the horse race won't be taking home any major cash (unless, of course, they bet correctly on the winning horse), they can still own a piece of history from the 151st Kentucky Derby and get new Kentucky Derby gear just in time for the event on Saturday, May 3. Fanatics recently dropped merchandise in honor of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, which includes T-shirts, special Mint Julep glasses, Kentucky Derby hats, sweatshirts and more. Here's our top five picks of the best Kentucky Derby products to help you ring in the historic event: Shop 2025 Kentucky Derby merch at Fanatics 1. Kentucky Derby Vineyard Vines Distressed T-shirt 2. 151st Kentucky Derby 12 oz. Mint Julep Glasses 3. 151st Kentucky Derby '47 Splint Adjustable Hitch Hat 4. Kentucky Derby Gameday Social Chenille Oversized Pullover Sweatshirt 5. Kentucky Derby Smathers & Branson Life Belt BONUS: Kentucky Derby PRG Horse Fully-Loaded Blade Putter Cover
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to make a perfect Mint Julep, according to a Louisville bartender
Herbaceous and boozy, the Mint Julep has become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. But from picking the perfect bourbon to shocking your mint to bring out the most flavor, there's a few things to keep in mind when crafting this three-ingredient classic cocktail for your Derby party. Here to help is Greg Galganski, lead bartender at Proof on Main at 21c Louisville, who is providing a classic Mint Julep recipe you can bet on, plus some expert tips for building this drink. (He's made well over 1,000 juleps, afterall). 21c Louisville is a 91-room boutique hotel in Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby, that doubles as a contemporary art museum. Proof on Main is the hotel's art-filled restaurant and bourbon-centric bar. Ready to make a perfect Mint Julep? Here's how to do just that, according to Galganski. Ingredients: 3 oz Bourbon over 100 proof. Some of his favorites are Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Elijah Craig Barrel Strength, and Old Forester 1920 0.5 oz simple syrup 6-8 mint sleeves Garnish: Freshly shocked mint springs and powdered sugar Instructions: 1. Take the mint leaves and gently press in the palm of your hand before placing in a julep cup with simple syrup and half of the bourbon (1.5 oz). 2. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice, swizzle* the mixture, and allow it to stand for 30 seconds before adding the remaining bourbon. 3. Pile on more crushed ice before garnishing with mint and powdered sugar. * Swizzling is stirring the cocktail with ice to chill and dilute to spread the flavors. As a general rule for cocktails featuring bourbon, Galganski looks for bottles with a high flavor concentration so the bourbon shines through. 'These tend to be bourbons that are 100 proof or something above that like a barrel or batch-strength offering,' he says. There are many excellent options these days, Galganski says, and some of his picks include Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Elijah Craig Barrel Strength, and Old Forester 1920. A quick simple syrup can be made by heating equal parts granulated cane sugar and water by weight until the sugar has dissolved. It will keep for two weeks when refrigerated, so you can make your simple syrup ahead of your Derby party (and have some leftover for other homemade cocktails in the days following). Mint can be tricky to source from the grocery store, Galganski says. 'It is often crammed into small packages with only four to five sprigs, but you can 'shock' it to make the most of it,' he says. A home alternative would be a potted mint plant, which will yield a good amount of mint for your summer libations. 'If you go down this route, make sure the mint is potted, as I cannot recommend letting mint run wild in your garden,' he cautions. Shocking is like the opposite of blanching. To shock mint, Galganski says, place it in an ice bath for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting the stems as you would a bouquet of flowers. Then place the mint (stem down) in lukewarm water where it will spring to life. To make a Mint Julep like a pro, keep powdered sugar in a duster to gently shake over the garnished cocktail to add a pop of color, he recommends. Don't over muddle the mint! 'We're just looking to allow the oils in the leaf to be released into the bourbon and simple syrup,' Galganski says. A metal vessel works best. Don't have a julep cup at home? Substitute a copper mule mug, he recommends. The quality of your bourbon choice matters. You want to start with a high quality and flavor dense bourbon so that as your julep dilutes you have a delicious cocktail at the end rather than minty ice water, according to Galganski. One final note: Hold your horses; a julep isn't meant to be slammed! 'In my opinion a julep is a drink you carry around as a companion,' Galganski says. 'It will start out as a strong eyeopener before diluting into a more refreshing and uplifting drink.'
