Friday Wine Tasting… Cinco De Mayo and the Derby!
via Etsy
Well this weekend is sure to be loads of fun!! A double header with Cinco de Mayo and The Kentucky Derby on the same weekend! I am jetting off to Chicago this weekend for an event (actually a guest at a party this weekend) and while I won’t be wearing a fabulous hat, I found the most adorable color block dress at Nordstrom (coral and navy) that is sure to set the tone for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! Leaving you with a few of my favorite recipes perfect for May 5th! Cheers!
Ingredients
- 1 lime, cut in wedges, optional
- Kosher salt, optional
- 1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (4 limes)
- 1 cup orange liqueur, such a Triple Sec
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup white tequila
Directions
If you like a salt rim on the glasses, rub the lime around the edge of the glass and then dip the rim of each glass lightly in a plate of kosher salt. Set aside to dry.
Combine the grapefruit juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and ice in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into a large pitcher and stir in the tequila. If youre not serving the margaritas in salted glasses, stir 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the pitcher of margaritas. Believe me, it will make a difference!
Serve ice cold.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bourbon
- 2 bunches fresh spearmint
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
Directions
To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.
To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.
Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.
To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.
Filed under: Friday Wine Tasting, Holidays
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