Kentucky Derby | A Taste of Morning

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Makes 24 pieces of confections

Ingredients

2 oz. bittersweet chocolate

2 oz. semisweet chocolate

1/4 c. unsalted butter

2 T. Kentucky Bourbon

2 c. confectioner’s sugar

2 T. dried currants or chopped raisins.

3/4 c. chopped nuts

Directions

1. Melt together chocolates and butter, stirring until perfectly smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in Bourbon, then sugar until mixture is soft, smooth and glossy. Stir in currants or raisins.

2. Scoop about 2 t. of mixture and roll into a ball. Roll in chopped nuts to coat. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

These confections are a delight to lovers of chocolate & Bourbon and are super easy to make! Enjoy!

Mint Julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, and yet, despite its renown, is not widely popular apart from Derby celebrations. Though it is refreshingly cold and steeped with tradition, the flavors of this classic cocktail (Bourbon, mint, and sugar) are just – to some palates – not very well rounded. Having read that some bars are experimenting with variations on the Mint Julep, I decided to try my own creation – a Raspberry Mint Julep. The addition of raspberry mutes the mint slightly and blends well with the rich flavor of Bourbon. I think this pleasant cocktail could be served for almost any warm weather occasion. Let me know what you think!

2 oz. Woodford Reserve or other good Bourbon

1 oz. Raspicello or other good raspberry liqueur

5 mint leaves, plus leaves for garnish

5 raspberries, plus one for garnish

1 t. sugar

shaved ice

In a chilled Mint Julep cup or highball glass, muddle together mint leaves, raspberries and sugar. Add Bourbon and raspberry liqueur. Fill cup/glass with shaved ice, top with a Boston shaker, and shake well. Garnish with raspberry and mint leaves. Enjoy!

Note: Mint Juleps are traditionally served in a chilled, beaded silver cup and held with a napkin around the base.