Kentucky Derby Inspired Recipes: Mint Juleps, Bourbon Peach Glaze, Mint Julep Pineapple

The Kentucky Derby is considered by many to be the fastest and “greatest two minutes in sports.” The 138th run for the roses is Saturday, May 5, 2012.

For nearly a century, Mint Juleps have been the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby. Almost 120,000 of these cocktails are served at the track each year over the two-day period, using 1,000 pounds of fresh mint and 60,000 pound of ice.

Unfortunately we can’t make it to Kentucky to watch in person, but we’ll be tuning in around 2pm PST to catch the race. We’ve also put together a Derby-inspired menu to make the day a little more delicious. Wager a friendly bet and showcase your latest spring style with a grand hat while you enjoy these recipes:

  • Mint Juleps (recipe below)
  • Bourbon Peach Glaze that’s great on beef brisket, ribs, skirt steak or ham (recipe below)
  • Mint Julep Pineapple for a sweet side dish (recipe below)
  • Coleslaw (from Mollie’s deli or this fresh Summer Vegetable Slaw)
  • Pecan pie a la mode for dessert (from Mollie’s bakery or this decadent Chocolate Fudge Pecan Tart)

Keep reading to get the Mint Julep, Bourbon Peach Glaze and Mint Julep Pineapple recipes…bon appetit! 

MINT JULEP
Mollie Stone’s Markets Original Recipe
Makes 1

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 mint leaves
  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 1-2 oz bourbon
  • Crushed ice

DIRECTIONS

Lightly muddle the mint with the simple syrup in a 10 oz glass. Add the bourbon and fill to top with crushed ice. Stir and garnish with a mint leaf.

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BOURBON PEACH GLAZE
Mollie Stone’s Markets Original Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup peach jam or preserves
  • 2-3 tablespoons bourbon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Stir together all ingredients. Baste over beef brisket, ribs, skirt steak or ham the last 20 minutes of baking time.

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MINT JULEP PINEAPPLE
Mollie Stone’s Markets Original Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 2-3 tablespoons Kentucky Bourbon (or blended whiskey)
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh mint, plus whole small mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 fresh pineapple

DIRECTIONS

Mix bourbon, chopped mint and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside to allow flavors to blend 30 minutes or more.

Trim pineapple, core and slice in 1/8-inch wedges.

Strain sugar bourbon mixture over the pineapple. Garnish with whole mint leaves.