Rhubarb Mint Juleps

Rhubarb Mint Juleps are just the ticket to take advantage of the fresh rhubarb that’s in abundance during the spring as well as take cocktail hour to the next level at the Kentucky Derby Party. I have to admit, there’s absolutely nothing traditional about this combination, and rhubarb is not a southern thing at all, so the combo might seem a bit odd, but I am a combination of a Southerner and a Northerner and I reserve the right to mix and match as I so choose. And I love rhubarb in the spring and think it pairs really well with bourbon because rhubarb is really tart, so it pairs well with things that taste naturally sweet. Mint juleps are all about the sweet, so rhubarb provides a nice balance. Note: I came upon a new technique that makes these rhubarb juleps even better, so if you looked at this recipe, or printed it prior to 4/22/15, take another look. It all came about when I was making my Fresh Strawberry Pie with Rhubarb Curd. I made too much of the rhubarb puree and began whisking it into cocktails. Turns out that rhubarb puree preserved the flavor of rhubarb WAY … Continue reading

Mint Juleps!

In recent years I’ve spent first Saturday in May at my friend Anna’s Kentucky Derby party drinking way too many, but never enough Mint Juleps! The party gets bigger every year, and last year it migrated to one of the boat houses on the Schuylkill River and was hosted by three Kentucky natives. The dark walnut paneled dining room was draped in old lace and crystal and silver julep cups full of blood red roses were scattered throughout the rooms providing the perfect backdrop for a truly amazing party. The old building has a wrap around porch and a view of the river as well as a huge lawn for croquet, corn hole and lots of dapper gentlemen and hat wearing ladies to stroll about the grounds. I’ve always loved the Kentucky Derby. Perhaps this love comes from my romanticized nostalgia for the South, or my love of hats; I’m not sure. I have a full Derby Party Menu full of great ideas for how you can get the most out of your party if I’ve managed to encourage you to throw a little shindig of your own. The recipes are quite simple and you get to wear a big … Continue reading