Examiner.com – 5.6.11
ROOT for the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the horse racing event that transcends horse racing. Even though the sport is in a sort of free fall; everyone turns out for the Derby. Men don their best suits and the women parade around in big, over the top hats. And everyone drinks Mint Juleps.
The Mint Julep and its variations have been the signature cocktail at the Kentucky Derby since 1938 when they began serving them in souvenir glasses. Traditionally built with mint, bourbon, sugar and water; they’ve also been made with gin and brandy.
In 2006 Churchill Downs began serving extra-premium custom-made Mint Juleps for $1000 each at the Kentucky Derby. They were served in gold plated cups with silver straws and made with Woodford Reserve, sugar from Australia, Ice from the Bavarian Alps and mint imported from Ireland.
ROOT from Art in the Age has put their own spin on the Mint Julep. ROOT is an 80 proof spirit that tastes like root beer but pours like a bourbon. Balanced yet full-bodied spirit is the perfect alternative to all your favorite bourbon cocktails. Created in 2009 and imported from Pennsylvania, ROOT will only set you back $30.
ROOT Julep
• 3 sprigs fresh mint?
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
• 2 ounces ROOT
Muddle 2 mint sprigs, the water, and the sugar in a highball or collins glass or a silver julep cup. Fill the glass with crushed ice, and pour in the ROOT. Garnish with the remaining mint sprig.
If you’re not ready to commit to a bottle; here’s a list of bars in Los Angeles that are serving up ROOT daily. Be sure to get your ROOT Julep at one of these great establishments.
Harvard & Stone
The Redwood Bar
The Room
Whisper Lounge
Gabe’s
Obrien’s
Red Rock
La Descarga
Gold Coast
Roosevelt Hotel ( Spare Room)
The Olive
The Laurel Tavern
Osteria La Buca
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