Today is the big day for the world famous Kentucky Derby. It’s the biggest day in horse racing around the world. If you can’t be there in person, celebrate the big race with a Mint Julep cocktail.

Maker’s Mark is an iconic bourbon brand loved by many. Maker’s Mark is awesome to drink on the rocks or mixed to create a delicious tasting cocktail. The Mint Julep cocktail drink is as popular as the Kentucky Derby itself.

If you are planning to host a Kentucky Derby party or attend a social gathering, be sure to include the Mint Julep cocktail. The great taste of Maker’s Mark bourbon is well known. The luxury spirit brand has put together some classic and innovative cocktail recipes for the big horse race.

Two that I think are so delicious are the Champagne Mint Julep and the Bourbon Ball Mint Julep. In addition, consider trying the Blackberry Mint Julep from Jelly Toast or Watermelon Granita Julep from Take a Megabite. These two fun cocktails offer a unique twist to the traditional mint and bourbon libation.

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Maker’s Mark Mint Julep

1 – ½ parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

Fresh mint

2 tablespoons simple syrup* muddled with mint

Splash of distilled water

Powdered sugar

Mint sprig for garnish

1 cup granulated sugar*

1 cup distilled water*

Mix together simple syrup muddled with mint, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and distilled water. Fill glass with crushed ice and pour mixture over top. Sprinkle top of ice with powdered sugar. Garnish with a mint sprig. *Simple Syrup: Heat to dissolve sugar, stirring constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

Bourbon Ball Julep

2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

½ DeKuyper® Amaretto Liqueur

½ DeKuyper® White Crème De Cocoa

¼ parts Dekuyper® Muddled Mint

Sugar and crushed pecans

Pour Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, DeKuyper® Amaretto Liqueur, DeKuyper® White Crème De Cocoa, Dekuyper® Muddled Mint over ice in shaker. Shake well and strain over ice. Sprinkle with sugar and crushed pecan.

Champagne Mint Julep

2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

2 parts sparkling white wine or Champagne

½ parts elderflower liqueur

Lemon twist and mint for garnish

Mix together Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, sparkling white wine, elderflower liqueur. Muddle with mint. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with lemon twist.

Enjoy the Kentucky Derby and toast the big race with a mouth watering Mint Julep cocktail. The Life of Luxury offers a variety of concierge services including sports and red carpet event VIP experiences. Follow this luxury blog for more luxury news.

Photo: Maker’s Mark

The iconic Kentucky Derby is held each year in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to the big horse race, many people don’t realize there is also a two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. We are offering an amazing VIP experience at the 143rd Kentucky Derby.

The 143rd Kentucky Derby is run at the world famous Churchill Downs race track. It’s the biggest horse race in the world. It has long been known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

During last year’s race, 167,227 attended in person. It was the second largest crowd in Kentucky Derby history. The highest was in 2015 with 170,513 people. Betting is big business. Total gambling was a whopping $192.6 million, but just missed the amount bet in 2015. With a strengthening economy, I wouldn’t be surprised if this year’s 143rd Kentucky Derby breaks that record.

If you have long dreamed of attending the Kentucky Derby in person, you’re in luck. We want to share an amazing VIP experience. This luxury package includes both your accommodations and event tickets to all the day’s horse races.

You will get unparalleled access to the Kentucky Derby for a once in a lifetime, VIP experience. Here is a summary of this luxury package:

· Three (3) nights at the Hyatt Regency Louisville
– Check-in: Thursday, May 4th
– Check-out: Sunday, May 7th
· Two (2) Tickets to the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5th (Sections 121-125)
· Two (2) Tickets to the Barnstable Brown Party on Friday, May 5th
– Premiere party on Derby Eve Night
· Two (2) Tickets to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6th (Sections 121-125)

Watching this famous horse race is exciting on TV. But to see it in person, with thousands of screaming people is a whole other level of excitement. Drink up and toast the big day with a Mint Julep cocktail. This popular drink is made with Woodford Reserve, who is once again the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.

If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs this year, then consider throwing your own 143rd Kentucky Derby party for your closest friends and family. Be sure to serve some traditional southern cuisine. Try Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans, Spring-on-a-Plate Salads, Biscuits and Ham with Fig Chutney & Blue Cheese Butter, Assorted Vegetables with Whipped Lemon Aïoli, Derby Truffles and Watercress Canapés.

We can also offer individual seating, including the First Floor Grandstand, First Floor Clubhouse, VIP Area/Club, First floor and even Millionaires Row. For a terrific social experience, attend the popular Barnstable Brown Gala the night before the big race.

With the race coming up quickly, please contact us for additional information and package pricing.

See the 143rd Kentucky Derby horse race in style. Our concierge specialists will make it a magical VIP experience you will ever forget. Follow this luxury blog for more awesome travel packages.

This year, the 2016 Kentucky Derby will be held on May 6. This iconic horse race is routinely called “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” 20 three year-old thoroughbred horses race for the ultimate crown at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 1-1/4 mile oval track becomes the center of the horse racing world. It’s watched by many millions of people in person and on TV.

But the 2016 Kentucky Derby will be more than simply a horse race. It’s held the first Saturday in May every year and is a luxury event that should not be missed. Whether you are sipping a Mint Julep drink or placing a bet on your favorite horse, there are many events to participate in on race day.

Tauck is a 90 year old travel tour company and is recognized as the oldest travel tour company in the U.S. They provide travelers premium, quality guided travel around the world. Tauck features greater than 100 incredible land and cruise itineraries across about 70 countries. The trips span all seven continents.

Tauck has put together two amazing travel itineraries for the 2016 Kentucky Derby. The highlights inlucde , which include a unique meet-and-greet with Chris McCarron, a two-time Derby winner, in addition to VIP reserved seating in the Jockey Club Suite. This year marks the 142nd running of the famous Kentucky Derby. Be treated to a VIP experience and enjoy this five-day event in the magnificent, Bluegrass Country of Kentucky.

The 2016 Kentucky Derby travel package is titled “Run for the Roses”. Here is a summary of the itinerary covering 5 days from May 4 to May 8, 2016:

· A five-day trip that offers VIP reserved seating during the races in the Jockey Club Suite
· A sightseeing component that will focus on the long history and many traditions of Lexington’s Bluegrass region
o A trip to the 130-acre Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort – the oldest continually operating distillery in America – for a unique, firsthand look (and tasting) of the time-honored art of distilling, aging and bottling fine Kentucky Bourbon
o A visit to a private Thoroughbred horse farm
· A special presentation by Chris McCarron – a popular, two-time Kentucky Derby winner
· Admission to the Kentucky Oaks: this is a smaller and more private horse race that is held each year, prior to the Kentucky Derby race on Saturday
· Nightly accommodations at the luxury Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa. The property is nestled within the rolling green meadows of Kentucky’s Bluegrass country.

Definitely one of the highlights of the “Run for the Roses” package is the chance to meet two-time, Kentucky Derby winner Chris McCarron. He was a successful horse race jockey for 28 years and an overall 40 year career in the horse racing industry. McCarron will share many stories with tour guests about his life as a professional jockey.

Some of the major milestones in the career of Chris McCarron include his six victories in Triple Crown races, plus winning the Kentucky Derby in 1987 and 1994. McCarron led his horses to nine Breeders’ Cup victories. During 1974 and 1975, he became the first jockey to win more than 1,000 races during a two year period. What an accomplishment!

The Kentucky Derby is the first race within the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. For the horse and jockey who wins the first leg, what follows is the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes race.

As part of the “Run for the Roses” package, guest actually can customize their tour. There is a “Bluegrass Country” option with a tour of Ashland. It’s the home of the 19th-century Kentucky statesman Henry Clay. You will visit the Kentucky Horse Park & International Museum of the Horse.

Another choice is what’s titled the “Thoroughbred World” option. Spend an informative day at Churchill Downs for the 142nd running of the Kentucky Oaks race. This horse race is solely for three-year-old fillies. This iconic race will be run on Friday May 5, the day before the 2016 Kentucky Derby.

On the day of the Kentucky Derby race, your will be seated in Tauck’s reserved VIP start gate unit. Enjoy complimentary, regional cuisine in addition to an all-day open bar. Don’t worry about any unpredictable weather. Your suite is fully enclosed and air-conditioned.

Take in all Derby Day has to offer and view the race in VIP style with stunning views of the famous, 10 furlong racetrack.

The incredible “Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby” travel package from Tauck costs between $5,390 and $7,990. Prices are per person, double occupancy, plus airfare, and include four nights accommodations at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington. Your package also includes all entertainment, all your meals and gratuities, daily sightseeing plus other activities, airport transfers and much more!

Enjoy a VIP experience at the 2016 Kentucky Derby with the “Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby” travel package from Tauck. Contact us to arrange your travel itinerary. Follow this luxury blog to keep up with the latest, luxury travel news and popular destinations.

Photos: Tauck

What occurs the first Saturday each May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky is not just a horse race. It’s the would famous Kentucky Derby and often described as the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” If you’re not lucky enough to be at Churchill Downs in person, then host a Kentucky Derby party in style.

First run in 1875, this year marks the 141st edition of The Kentucky Derby. The popular event kicks off the horse racing circuit and is the first jewel of the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Triple Crown.

The Derby isn’t only about horse racing. This incredible event is a unique blend of sports, fashion and style. Southern traditions are in full display. Roses are the official flower of the Kentucky Derby and G.H. MUMM is proud to once again be the official champagne.

Limor Suss is an Entertaining and Lifestyle Expert and has offered some wonderful tips to make your Kentucky Derby party a fun and successful one for all. She’s offered some derby games and even how to make derby hats from cheese!

Suss suggests all party guest dress the role and come in their finest clothes. Women can war the derby traditional colorful sundresses and hats. Men should dress to impress by wearing light linen or seersucker suits. It’s not a time to be conservative. Consider eye popping colors like light blue, coral, yellow or even lime.

As mentioned above, roses are the office race flower. Bring some Southern charm to your Kentucky Derby party by spreading red rose petals on your serving tables.

Like those in attendance at Churchill Downs, serve delicious tasting G.H. MUMM champagne. Serve up a G.H. MUMM Mint Julep, which is a bubbly twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby Cocktail. Here is the G.H. MUMM Mint Julep recipe:

Ingredients:
– 2 parts G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge
– 11/2 parts Absolut Citron Vodka
– 1 part Fresh squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 part Simple syrup
– 1 finger pinch Fresh mint
Instructions:
– Pour all ingredients, except G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge, into a mixing glass.
– Add ice, cover and shake vigorously for 7-8 seconds.
– Pour G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge into a chilled cocktail-martini glass and pour the cocktail over it.

Ladies will really enjoy participating in a hat decorating station. Purchase some fun items like flowers, butterflies, lace, tulle and even feathers. Place them on a table along with some inexpensive hats. Create your own custom hat with a a glue gun and your imagination. What fun!

How about making a derby hat out of cheese? A Derby “Cheese Hat” can easily be made with several different sized rounds of brie cheese. Like a traditional wedding cake, stack the brie cheese or any other round cheese. You can add a colored ribbon or even some flowers and herbs. Serve your guests the cheese along with fig jam and toasted bread.

Who doesn’t love dessert? Serve your Kentucky Derby party guests some derby inspired delicacies. Since the race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, serve three different desserts including Mini pecan pies, mint julep cupcakes and Bourbon bites.

If you would actually like to attend this year’s coveted Kentucky Derby in person, contact us today. We can help make all your travel reservation plans and provide you a VIP experience. If you enjoy reading about how to host a Kentucky Derby party, return and follow our popular luxury blog.

Photo: G.H. MUMM

(Photo by Diane Bondareff/Invision for Longines/AP Images)

The recent Kentucky Derby is another memorable horse race. The recent 139th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky was won by “Orb.” Orb and Revolutionary were co-favorites to win this year’s Kentucky Derby at 6-1. Revolutionary finished the race in third place and Golden Soul took second place.

For those that do not know, Swiss watch brand Longines is the official timekeeper and watch of the Kentucky Derby. Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., which is the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products.

After the race completed, Longines awarded Orb’s owner, trainer and jockey with watches from the luxury brand’s Saint-Imier collection at the event’s exclusive Winners’ Circle Party.

Represented by tennis legend and longtime Ambassador of Elegance Stefanie Graf, Longines had a strong presence throughout Churchill Downs and other Derby-affiliated events including Taste of Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest, the Kentucky Derby red carpet and the Winner’s Circle Party.

Longines timepieces and luxury branded-clocks were also proudly featured throughout the Churchill Downs facilities. There was a digital Longines Kentucky Derby Countdown Clock displayed on Churchill Downs’ official event website (www.KentuckyDerby.com) and the luxury watch brand’s logo was prominently featured on the official Kentucky Derby red carpet, racetrack and in other surrounding areas.

In addition, Longines sponsored the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile presented by Longines on Kentucky Derby afternoon.

The luxury Longines Saint-Imier watch collection is inspired by the watchmaking heritage of the brand’s home territory, in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. To celebrate its rich history and roots within the Swiss village, the watch collection includes a series of luxurious timepieces in stainless steel and rose gold bracelet combinations, as well as rose gold and stainless steel leather band combinations.

The chronograph watches within the collection are fitted with the column-wheel movement specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines. All models are also fitted with mechanical movements whose intricate workings can be admired through the transparent sapphire back cover.

Lastly, as a result of an expanded partnership with Churchill Downs, this year the Kentucky Oaks was renamed the “Longines Kentucky Oaks.” The brand hosted the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest during Longines Kentucky Oaks Day to celebrate the elegant and iconic style of the Kentucky Derby.

This year’s Kentucky Derby will be held on May 5th. Time to press your seersucker suit and unpack your fanciest hat because the big race is almost here.

The famous Kentucky Derby has been called the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Derby is more than just a sporting event. It’s as much about fashion and sipping mint juleps, as it is about horse racing.

In case you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying a mint julep cocktail, it’s a simple drink – bourbon, sugar, mint and ice. But to make a mint julep correctly, there’s a lot of prep that goes into making this iconic drink.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world. Rob Samuels is an eighth generation distiller and grandson of Maker’s Mark Founder Bill Samuels Sr. Rob has happily offered up his family’s personal recipe for The Perfect Mint Julep.

“The Perfect Mint Julep”
(Serves 14-16)

Ingredients:
– 1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
– Lots of fresh spearmint
– Distilled water
– Granulated sugar
– Powdered sugar

To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then, gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

When you think its right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice and serve.

For other great tasting cocktail recipes using Maker’s Mark Bourbon, please visit www.makersmark.com

The Kentucky Derby is known around the world as the “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

This year’s Kentucky Derby horse race will be held on May 7th, so it’s time to prepare for that Derby party and celebrate just like you were there yourself.

Kentuckians have a lot of time-honored race day traditions, such as over-the-top bonnets and colorful dresses for the ladies, seersucker suits and straw hats for the guys, and of course sipping on Mint Juleps made with Kentucky Bourbon is a must.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world.

Maker’s Mark has always been handcrafted by the Samuels Family. Eighth generation distiller and COO Rob Samuels has provided their delicious family recipe to make the perfect Mint Julep.

“The Perfect Mint Julep”

Ingredients:
1 liter Maker’s Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

3. To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

4. Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

5. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

6. To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

7. When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Then serve.

Founded as the Louisville Jockey Club in 1874, the original Churchill Downs was built by Col. M. Lewis Clark, the grandson of the famed explorer. Inspired by England’s Epsom Derby, Churchill Downs hosted the first Kentucky Derby in 1875.

Named for the original owners of the property, Churchill Downs is known for its famous twin spires, built in 1895.

In 2004, the facility underwent a $120 million modernization, replacing much of the mammoth Victorian-era grandstand with luxury suites.

Seats on Millionaire’s Row cost $50,000 (and up) for a table for eight. Suites are priced at $259,000 to $305,000 for two days, including Friday’s Kentucky Oaks program. Reserved clubhouse seats (including lunch and open bar) fetch $1,776 per person (also for two days). General admission (infield, Derby day only) is $40.

Of 133 Derby winners, 100 were born in Kentucky, followed by Florida (six) and Virginia (four). California has produced three Derby winners: Morvich (1922), Swaps (1955) and Decidedly (1962). This year, Bob Black Jack is the lone Cal-bred Derby starter.

Three fillies have won: Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988). This year, Eight Belles will be the first filly to start in the Derby since 1999.

By color, 47 winners were bay, 43 chestnut, 17 brown, 13 dark bay or brown, nine gray or roan and four black.

Roses: The oldest official Derby tradition, roses became part of the annual celebration in 1884 and have adorned every winner since 1896. In 1925, sportswriter Bill Corum dubbed the event, “Run for the Roses.” Since 1932, the winner has worn an identical garland, made up of 564 red roses (grown in Ecuador) and weighing 35 pounds. The winning rider receives his own bouquet of 60 roses. Another 2,100 roses decorate the winner’s circle.

Song: “My Old Kentucky Home,” written in 1850 by Stephen Foster (who never saw Kentucky), became the Derby’s official theme song in 1921. The University of Louisville Marching Band has performed it every year since 1936 as the crowd sings along. Dan Fogelberg wrote “Run for the Roses” for the 1980 Derby.

Trophy: The only solid 14-karat gold trophy in major American sports (the NBA’s O’Brien Trophy is gold plated), the Derby’s loving cup debuted in 1924 for the 50th running. Topped with an 18-karat horse, the trophy is 22 inches tall and 56 ounces. The winning owner gets one to keep.

Hats: Large and often flamboyant hats have been part of the celebration since its earliest days. Zany hats dominate the infield.

Mint juleps: This southern classic has been the official Derby drink for a century. About 120,000 were served at the track last year.

A julep includes Kentucky bourbon whiskey (two ounces or more), sugar syrup (one tablespoon), mint and crushed ice. Produced by Libbey Glass Co., the official julep glasses, which debuted in 1938, are the No. 1 Derby collectible. Sterling silver julep cups are also popular.