The Sporting Lifestyle

It’s that time of year.   Horse racing and the cocktails to go with them!

The Sporting Lifestyle for me is not just hunting, shooting & angling.  But all things outdoors.

It ‘runs’ in the family.

“Banner” painted May 1903 by Thomas M. Toher, of whom little is known.

Thomas M. Toher, American painter 1868-1929 was a horse portraitist .

Each year in April I pay homage to the Triple Crown of Racing: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness & the Belmont.

On my bar.

And wait for the 1st Saturday in May.

The Belmont began in 1867

The Preakness in 1873

The Kentucky Derby in 1875

With a collection of family memorabilia and vintage barware to make the perfect Mint Julep.

1953 Derby Glass with vintage Napier ‘water bucket’ jigger.

The right ingredients are a must.

I have done my homework and the BEST mint by far is a variety of spearmint called appropriately

‘Kentucky Colonel’.  Some mints can cause the drink to taste medicinal- almost menthol!

‘Kentucky Colonel’ mint- the BEST!

As well as the drinking vessel.

A couple of fine julep cups: 1964 Kentucky Derby & a equestrian motif silver beaker.

I have my old favorite silver  julep cup and just discovered a beautiful new pewter cup at Ewin’s Dry Goods http://www.ewinsdrygoods.com/products/equestrian-pewter-julep-cup

( they have other VERY  handsome sporting lifestyle gifts as well)

Pewter cup from Ewin’s Dry Goods.

For more ideas of refreshing cocktails using mint, pop on over to my friend & designer Courtney Price Design and see her recent blog

Top 5 Spring/Summer Cocktails for Entertaining

at http://www.courtneyprice.com