There's a lot to be said for tradition, and that goes for mint juleps at the Kentucky Derby. But if you're not a fan of bourbon, you might want to throw tradition out the window and serve a new kind of julep as horses take to the famous first leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday.
I saw this cocktail — forgive me, julep — on liquor.com and thought it rather intriguing. Granted, the only thing it has in common with the more familiar mint julep is that it can be served in a julep cup and garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.
Rather than Kentucky, this julep gets it cue from Spain. It has nothing to do with Kentucky bourbon at all, rather Spanish wine. That alone is appealing since I would much rather have a good wine-based cocktail than one made with bourbon in the spring and summer. That's just me.
Another thing the cocktail has going for it is its alcohol content, which is less than a traditional mint julep. It's absolutely perfect for warm weather and will take you through the hot summer months. The taste is light, the flavor refreshing.
According to liquor.com, the recipe was created by New York bartender Alex Day, who was looking for an answer to the problem of julep-driven intoxication on Derby Day. The result? This variation with a white wine, albariño, a Spanish and Portuguese varietal that's bright and crisp, with plenty of fruit notes balanced by generous tart acid. Add some peach liqueur and you have a new mint julep to sip on while you watch the Derby or entertain guests for a spring or summer gathering. And since there's no muddling of the mint involved, as there is in a traditional julep and no simple syrup to be made — the peach liqueur takes its place — this drink can be made in seconds.
Albariño Mint Julep
3 ounces albariño wine (such as Terras Gauda Abadia de San Campio)
1 teaspoon high-quality creme de peche (peach liqueur)
Mint sprigs
Add the albariño and creme de peche to a julep or double old-fashioned glass. Add lots of crushed ice, and garnish lavishly with mint.
DERBY DOINGS
For those dusting off their derby hats in anticipation of this weekend's Kentucky Derby, the Read House will be holding its annual Seersucker Saturday Kentucky Derby watch party at its popular Bar & Billiards Room.
In addition to keeping up with the action at the track, the bar will feature derby drinks and such foods as pimiento cheese fritters and Kentucky Hot Brown burgers.
The action begins at 3:30 Saturday afternoon and will also include a bluegrass band and a best-dressed contest with chances to win gift baskets, a stay at the Read House or a gift card to Bridgeman's Chophouse.
So wear your favorite hat and get ready to derby down at the Read House.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com or annebraly.com.
Anne Braly