Making Mint Juleps for the Kentucky Derby

Posted April 15 2019 in Barware Cocktails Dining Drinkware Lifestyle Traditions Trophies
Tagged:cocktails, Horse Racing, kentucky derby, Mint Julep, Mint Julep Cup

On the first Saturday in May, Louisville is besieged with visitors that have come to witness the most prestigious thoroughbred horse race in America. From a birds-eye view, Churchill Downs Race Track becomes a moving flotilla of expressive hats showing a flash of silver cups.

Surrounding a dirt race track are stands full of race enthusiasts, socializing as they wait to see who is going to become the winner of the first leg of the Triple Crown trifecta.

This “Run for the Roses” race is full of traditions that date back to 1875. It has run every year since. Three-year-old papered thoroughbreds gather to race a mile and a quarter for the most exciting two minutes in American sports.

Crowds fill the infield singing “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster during the post parade, then toast the winner with the traditional Mint Julep libation. The late afternoon sun sparkles on the specially designed silver Mint Julep cups as race traditions are upheld.

Moscow Mules for the Kentucky Derby

Posted March 8 2018 in Barware Cocktails Drinkware Gifts How-To Guides Lifestyle Moscow Mule Mugs Traditions
Tagged:barware, kentucky derby, moscow mule

Moscow Mules for the Kentucky Derby

Since 1875, the Kentucky Derby has enthralled spectators from around the world, making it the oldest continuous sporting event in America. You needn’t have a stake in the outcome or even know much about thoroughbred horse racing to get swept up in the excitement. An appreciation for boozy Southern drinks and outrageous hats will suffice.

The big event is all over in a couple of minutes, so start your celebration early.

Refreshing Moscow Mule in Copper Mug, Engraved

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Valentine’s Day Gifts

Posted January 12 2018 in Barware Cocktails Engraving Gifts Lifestyle Mint Julep Cups Moscow Mule Mugs
Tagged:gifts for her, gifts for him, gifts for men, gifts for women, valentine day, valentines day

Personalized Gifts for Someone Special

Every day you get to spend with the important people in your life is a blessing. Valentines Day is right around the corner, chose a gift that will last for years to come! We offer a wide range of personalized gifts for men, women, and children! We are here to help find the perfect gift!

Popular Personalized Gifts

Mint Julep Cups

Check out our selection of Mint Julep Cups! We offer a variety of styles. Prepare your loved one for Kentucky Derby Season with their very own personalized cup!

Mint Julep Cups are also very popular for celebrating special occasions such as graduation, retirement, promotions, and trophies!

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Refreshing Independence Day Cocktails

Posted May 22 2017 in Barware Cocktails Drinkware Lifestyle Traditions
Tagged:4th of july, 4th of july cocktails, cocktails, Independence Day, Independence Day Cocktails, red white and blue, sangria, Vodka

Eight Refreshing Cocktails For Your Classy July 4^th BBQ

If you are looking to make your Fourth of July gathering red, white and boozy, you need the right barware and drink recipes. Summer cocktails should be light, fun and classy. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Blue Sparkler

This drink should be served on ice. Use thick ice cubes to add some white coloring to the drink. To mix the drink, combine a cup of UV Blue, a cup of mango Absolut vodka and two cans of your favorite lemon-lime soda. Add a drop of blue food coloring for a vibrant color. Drop a few cherries in the drink to garnish it, and you can add a splash of grenadine if you wish. For ultimate visual appeal, serve it in a crystal Double Old Fashioned glass from Crystal by Godinger.

Red, White and Blue Sangria

For this drink, mix a bottle of white wine with one-half cup each of simple syrup, berry vodka and lemon juice. Add a cup of triple sec. Cut fresh pineapple slices into star shapes with a sharp knife. You can use a small cookie cutter as a guide if you have one. Put the slices in the pitcher, and add some blueberries and strawberry slices. Chill before serving. This refreshing cocktail looks stunning in a crystal pitcher such as the Serenity pitcher made by Nambe.

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Why Moscow Mules Come In Copper Mugs

Posted May 12 2017 in Barware Drinkware Gifts Lifestyle Moscow Mule Mugs Traditions
Tagged:copper drinkware, copper mugs, copperware, drinkware, moscow mule

Why Are Moscow Mules Served In Copper Mugs?

The Moscow Mule is a simple yet popular mixed drink. It consists of lime juice, vodka and ginger beer. This beverage first appeared in 1941, according to The New York Times. It succeeded in greatly boosting the demand for both vodka and copper mugs. You can find several reasons to serve a Moscow Mule in this type of cup.

Extra Cold 

Beverages feel colder if you drink them from copper vessels. The metal’s temperature immediately drops when someone adds a cool liquid and ice cubes to a mug. Consequently, the drink seems particularly refreshing. Cocktail enthusiasts have recognized this advantage of copper for hundreds of years.

Insulating

This material doesn’t only create a chilly sensation. It also insulates the beverage from warm air. Your Moscow Mule will remain as cold as possible, and the ice cubes won’t dilute it by melting too soon. The insulating effect benefits drinkers who venture outdoors on hot summer days or sip cocktails in rooms that lack air conditioning.

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Mint Juleps & The Kentucky Derby

Posted March 28 2017 in Barware Drinkware Lifestyle Mint Julep Cups Traditions
Tagged:cocktail, derby, kentucky derby, Mint Julep, Mint Julep Cup, the derby

The Mint Julep:  Born In The South, Thriving At The Derby

Mint Julep

Since 1938, the mint julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and it’s hard to imagine a cocktail more

quintessentially Southern. A combination of sugar, bourbon, crushed ice and mint, this refreshing drink conjures up images of a bygone genteel era. There are over 120,000 of these drinks served at the race each year, and even people at home get in the spirit of the event by mixing their own.

What you may not know, however, is that the history of the mint julep stretches far beyond the Derby, and the drink we all know and love has changed quite a lot over the years.

Early History of the Mint Julep

The mint julep has a history steeped in legend, with multiple origin stories told and believed throughout the region. Some fanciful tales suggest that the drink was developed when a Kentuckian, boating across the Mississippi, plucked fresh mint leaves growing wild on the banks and topped his bourbon with them.
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The History of The Moscow Mule

Posted March 7 2017 in Barware Cocktails Drinkware Lifestyle Traditions
Tagged:mixed drinks, moscow mule, specialty drinks

A Deeper Look At The Moscow Mule

If you enjoy drinks that stand out from the crowd in a powerful and eloquent way, you are probably wondering what you should try so that you can find your next favorite. Many drinks and recipes exist, and a lot of them have not been published, but when it comes to flavor, people from around the world agree that the Moscow Mule is in a class of its own.

Fans usually fall in love at the first sip, and you will likely feel the same way when you experience it for the first time. We are going to explore the history of this great drink, and you will likely be surprised by what you will discover.

Ingredients

Before we go into detail, you will want to learn about the ingredients that bartenders use to craft the Moscow Mule. Even though a lot of people have tried to replicate the drink, doing so is not always an easy task for those who are not experts.

Once your place the order, the bartender will mix vodka and ginger beer together, stirring gently to create the right consistency. He will then pour the mixture over ice, and to add extra flavor and a touch of style, the bartender will place a lemon on the side of the copper mug.

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Cocktails For Mardi Gras

Posted February 10 2017 in Barware Cocktails Drinkware Lifestyle Mint Julep Cups Traditions
Tagged:Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Mint Julep Cup

Six Cocktails For Mardi Gras

If you will not make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you can still have an enjoyable time at home. Mardi Gras is one of the biggest parties of the year. In French, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday.” It is a time when people indulge in rich foods and libations before the Lenten season, which is filled with forty days of fasting. Here are six dynamite cocktails that will help you kick off a great celebration.

Cucumber Hurricane

Classic Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and yellow. This is why a Cucumber Hurricane is an ideal drink to celebrate this special occasion. A Hurricane is a rum-based blend that will kick your party into high gear. Adding some lime flavoring brings a refreshing twist. To create this cocktail, mix ice, vodka, triple sec, and lime juice. Garnish the cup with cucumber slices as well.

Mint Julep

Although a mint julep is commonly served at the Kentucky Derby, it is a great drink to celebrate Mardi Gras. It is a traditional summer cocktail that will bring a cooling sensation to your party. A conventional mint julep requires bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice, and sprigs of mint. Even though this beverage can be served in a highball glass or plastic cup, a true drinking connoisseur will want to enjoy this cocktail in a silver tumbler.

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COPPERWARE

Posted March 24 2016 in Barware Drinkware Mint Julep Cups
Tagged:Copper, copperware, jigger, Mint Julep, moscow mule

Copper Mugs, Barware and Home Decor

Copperware is a commonly found in the home – cups, bowls, decorations, etc. It has increased in popularity over the years. Any one of these copper items makes a great personalized gift when engraved. Make this special occasion one to remember with an engraved copper mug!

History of the Mint Julep

Posted April 3 2013 in Drinkware Lifestyle Mint Julep Cups Traditions
Tagged:Juleps, kentucky derby, Mint Julep, Mint Julep Cup, Silver Mint Julep Cup, Sterling Julep Cup

History of the Mint Julep

The Mint Julep Cocktail has been promoted by Churchill Downs in association with the Kentucky Derby since 1938. In a contract arrangement between the Brown-Forman Corporation and Churchill Downs, the Mint Julep Cocktail was designated “official drink of the Kentucky Derby”. Each year almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, virtually all of them in specially made Kentucky Derby collectible cups.

A Traditional Drink

The term “Julep” is generally defined as a sweet drink, particularly one used as a vehicle for medicine.  A Mint Julep is traditionally made with four ingredients: mint leaf, bourbon, sugar and water. Traditionally, spearmint is the mint of choice used in southern states. This mint and sugar combo is very similar to a mojito.

The Mint Julep Cup

The Mint Julep Cup is very popular throughout the South, and has long been a symbol of achievement, esteem, and prestige. For over 200 years

Mint Julep Cups

Americans have used their Julep cups at events like christenings, weddings, fairs and of course, the races.  Traditionally, Mint Juleps cups are made in sterling silver, silverplate, or pewter. These cups are held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup, as this allows frost to form on the outside of the cup.

Many of the southern states have their own unique and distinctive cup styles, including Classic, Beaded, and Threaded. Best known is the Classic style from Kentucky; the Classic American beaker was remade into a Julep Cup with a straight body lines and graceful moldings at the base and rim. This Kentucky Mint Julep Cup originates from early American Silversmiths and craftsmen Asa Blanchard of Lexington and William and Archibald Cooper of Louisville.  Nowadays, these  styles are manufactured by the world’s most prestigious silversmiths like Godinger, Empire, and Reed & Barton.

Here are a few links to recipes for different Mint Juleps.  As we approach the Kentucky Derby this year, perhaps you might want to join in the tradition and enjoy a frosty Mint Julep!

• The “perfect” Mint Julep

• Traditional Mint Julep recipe

• Ultimate Mint Julep recipe