The 137th annual Kentucky Derby on May 7 will give ladies an excuse to party all day, wear our finest spring and cocktail dresses, and don the biggest, oversized hats to our heart's content. Enjoy the great weather and watch the Derby at any one of these parties. Or if you want to celebrate at home, we have two specialty drinks, perfect for sipping on Derby day.
Derby Day at Turf Paradise
Visit the annual "Derby Day" at Turf Paradise, where live music, horse races, buffets, and betting will take place on the fun-filled day on May 7. The day of all days to wear that oversized hat is around the corner, and thousands will be attendance at Turf Paradise beginning at 7:30 a.m. With grandstand admission at just $5, you can bring the whole family for an exciting day at the races!
602.942.1101, www.turfparadise.com
Mint Julep
2 C water
2 C white sugar
1/2 to 3/4 C roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
32 oz Kentucky bourbon
8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish
Combine water, sugar, and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately one hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves. Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour four ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each (proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and straw. Trim straws to just barely protruding from the top of the cups.
The Perfect Mint Julep, provided by Turf Paradise
A Derby Affair at The Arizona Biltmore and Spa
Sipping mint juleps and dining on southern culinary delights, wagering on ponies, and socializing in a "millionaire's row" setting can all be expected at "A Derby Affair," which takes place on Saturday May 7 from 1-4:30 p.m. Last year's event sold out, so mark your calendar now! Proceeds benefit Homeward Bound, an organization that provides transitional housing to families who are homeless or fleeing domestic violence. Tickets start at $350. 602.374.8710, www.aderbyaffair.org
Kentucky Rose
1 1/4 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Triple Sec
Sweet and Sour
Cranberry Juice
Use 1 1/4 oz. vodka, 1/4 oz. Triple Sec and fill a highball glass filled with ice with Sweet and Sour and a splash of cranberry juice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sugared rose petal.
Kentucky Rose, provided by The Arizona Biltmore and Spa
