Kentucky Derby Day in RI

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Friday, May 06, 2011

Greg Berman, GoLocalProv Contributor

Unfortunately, not all of us can make it to Churchill Downs this Saturday, but just because you’re not luxuriating in Millionaire’s Row doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some authentic, thoroughbred derby culture right here in Rhode Island.  It may not be a Red Sox game, but plenty of local bars are holding special events to celebrate “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”  So grab your flamboyant hat, raise your mint julep and hold on: GoLocal is off to the races.

Raise the Stakes With a Cocktail Contest at Gracie’s

Horses won’t be the only ones competing at Gracie’s in Providence this Saturday.  In addition to the Derby itself, which will be projected on the bar’s television, Gracie’s bartenders from past and present will reunite to go head-to-head in a cocktail-making competition—all while guests jockey amongst themselves for the illustrious prize of most creative hat. 

Expect more than Juleps from this competition though, these bartenders are known for their creativity.  Current Gracie’s bartender Brendan Roane will be serving up his signature Citrus Grass cocktail—a refreshing concoction featuring Bison Grass Vodka. Saturday, May 7, 5pm-10pm, 194 Washington Street, Providence.

Outdoor Tent Party at Twenty Water Street Restaurant

Enjoy the race from the deck of the Twenty Water Street Restaurant in East Greenwich, overlooking the scenic Greenwich bay.  Don’t worry about the weather though; the deck has a large heated tent, so it will be on rain or shine.

As if the scenic Greenwich Bay wasn’t enough of a sight, attendees will also be treated to an extravagant hat contest, with a special prize for best hat.  The event will also feature classic derby cocktails and a variety of contests and raffles to benefit the East Greenwich Animal Protection League. Saturday, May 7, 3pm-on, 20 Water St, East Greenwich.

Mix Up Your Own Julep

Some events are just as much about the culture and food that surrounds them as they are the even itself.  But while Cinco De Mayo may have the Margarita, and New Year's Eve certainly has dibs on champagne, few events can boast as sublime and dignified a drink as the Kentucky Derby’s Mint Julep. The iconic drink dates back to the early 19th century, and not surprisingly, it's undergone quite a few alterations since then. GoLocalProv talked to some local cocktail enthusiasts and has gathered together two different, equally delicious takes on the timeless classic. 

From Eric Taylor, Manager of Bottles Fine Wine in Providence (himself a Kentuckian), comes a classic rendition.

Classic Kentucky MINT JULEP

2oz bourbon

1oz simple syrup

¼ cup mint

Crushed or shaved ice

In a pint glass, muddle mint and ice together until ice is crushed. Pour mint & ice in a tall glass (or silver cup) & add bourbon and simple syrup, garnish with mint sprig. Serve wtih a straw cut ½ inch above rim in order to smell the mint as you sip!

And from Jesse Hedberg, renowned bartender at Cook & Brown and Fluke, comes an updated version of the classic: 

Updated MINT JULEP

1.5oz bourbon

1oz brandy

1oz MB Peach

1 bar-spoon of sugar

20 mint leaves

- Muddle mint leaves with sugar & peach liqueur in bottom of a metal julep cup
- Add bourbon and brandy
- Fill cup with crushed ice
- Swizzle until exterior of glass frosts up
- Top off cup with more crushed ice & a large sprig of mint (don't be shy with the mint)

Related Articles

• RISD Announces Major ‘Cocktail Culture’ Exhibit

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