A mint julep recipe for the kids

APRIL 30, 2010

The Kentucky Derby is always a fun event in our house. We get out the morning paper and look over the horses and pick our favorites based on the very scientific method of who has the coolest name. And they're off.

The 136th "Run for the Roses" -- the nation's oldest continuously run sporting event -- is this Saturday. Post time is 6:24 p.m.Maybe this year, I'll even wear a big hat.

As everyone knows, the Mint Julep is the signature drink of Derby Day. I came up with a kiddie version that a lot of adults like too, especially since the adult version has a heckuva kick.

For your sipping pleasure, giddy up!

Mint Julep (two ways)

3 cups water
3 cups sugar
large handful of mint leaves
bourbon (we like Maker's Mark)
a pitcher of lemonade for kiddie version
more mint leaves for garnish

In a large bowl in the microwave make a big batch of simple syrup of equal parts sugar and water and a bunch of mint leaves. Nuke it for about 5 minutes until it is boiling and let it rest for a couple hours before straining leaves and pouring into a container. Refrigerate container. Now you have the minty syrup you need to make the kiddie version or the adult version.

Adult version:
Fill glass with ice and mint springs, add 2-1/2 ounce of bourbon and the rest with the sugar syrup.

Kiddie version:
Fill glass with ice and mint leaves, pour in about 1/4 cup of lemonade and a splash of sugar syrup.

-- Sharon Kennedy Wynne

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Posted by Times Editor at 6:00:00 am on April 30, 2010 in

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Sharon Kennedy Wynne has sunscreen in her blood. She may have been born in Buffalo but she got here as fast as she could, in time for kindergarten. She grew up in St. Petersburg, graduated from the University of Florida journalism school, and even got married at Sunken Gardens. She's one of the few adults we know who actually loves taking her kids to the beach. She has two sons and with 10 years of parenting under her belt, she's starting to feel a little less out of her league. She comes from a large family and loves to debate, so brace yourself when the hot topics come up.

E-mail Sharon Kennedy Wynne:
wynne@tampabay.com

After six long years of trying to have a baby, Kate Brassfield was finally able to have one. And then, two minutes later, another one. Suddenly the lady who had never been around babies before was juggling two! Just as Kate felt she was getting pretty good with babies, the girls became toddlers, and now Kate is back to Square One, learning about the care and feeding of these strange, wonderful creatures. She spends her days working part-time from home and trying to keep up with the Twinosaurus Wrecks.

E-mail Kate Brassfield:
katedaphne17@gmail.com

Freelance writer Courtney Cairns Pastor wasn’t so sure about having kids and how she would balance child-rearing with her journalism career. It turned out that her journalism training went to good use. As the mom to a funny, active toddler, she learned to handle him like she did her sources. Never ask yes or no questions (the answer will always be no), get him to be specific (are you crying because you’re wet or your tooth hurts?) and be prepared for anything because no two days are the same. When she’s not playing trucks, Courtney crams for her book club, trains for races and occasionally bursts into showtunes. E-mail her at courtneyblogs@gmail.com.

Suzannah DiMarzio has it bad for the Mouse. Although she grew up outside of Boston, she took her degree in tourism management down to Orlando just to work at Disney and the travel industry. Of course, when she married her high school sweetheart, the reception was at Disney. She’s now a seasoned stay-at-home mom to two tweens and a toddler – and yes, that is as crazy as it sounds. Suzannah has her own blog, ZannaLand.com , and she's a member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel in addition to being addicted to Twitter, iced coffee, and watching way too much Yo, Gabba Gabba.

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