When Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark of Lewis and Clark expedition fame, traveled to England back in 1872 he made a stop to visit the Epsom Derby, a famous horse race at the time. This peaked his interest in the sport, later getting to know the French Jockey Club in Paris during his trip, the people who organize the Grand Prix de Paris, the greatest race in France at the time.
Clark had a simialr idea for his states-side home in Kentucky, where he established Louisville Jockey Club upon his return and began raising money to build a horse track. That illustrious track would soon be known as Churchill Downs, named after Clark's relatives John and Henry Churchill who provided the land. The track was officially incorporated in 1937 as Churchill Downs.
Now that you know all that, I think it's time for a drink. Don't you?
SB Nation's very own Matt Uffordhas been on the hunt for the perfect old-timey recipies for some classic southern cocktails like the Mint Julep, Old Fashioned and Whiskey Smash. check out the video below to see how they are done right.
MINT JULEP:
1. Muddle 3-5 sprigs of mint with simple syrup or sugar (to taste)
2. Add 3 oz. bourbon and crushed ice in layers
3. Garnish with mint
WHISKEY SMASH:
1. Muddle 2-4 pieces lemon, 3-5 sprigs of mint, and simple syrup or sugar to taste
2. Add 2-3 oz. bourbon, stir, and strain (optional)
3. Garnish with mint and/or lemon
OLD FASHIONED:
1. Mix 1/2 oz. simple syrup with 2 dashes bitters OR Muddle 1 sugar cube in a splash of water and 2 dashes bitters
2. Add 2 oz. bourbon (or rye) with ice, stir
3. Garnish with twist of lemon or orange
For more on the 2012 Kentucky Derby, please check out And Down The Stretch They Come.