It doesn’t get any classier than the Kentucky Derby -- unless, of course, you look to the infield, where all sorts of debauchery can be found. The first Saturday in May is the only day it’s acceptable to just get destroyed on Mint Juleps. Here’s a drinking game to help you in that lofty quest.
Now, let’s be honest, it’s sort of difficult to come up with a game for a race that lasts two minutes. With that in mind, we’ve broken it up into two parts. The first is for the ever-so-lengthy pre-race coverage.
One drink for every:
- Use of the word “horse”
- Woman in a ridiculous hat
- Time odds are given
Two drinks for every:
- Hot woman in a ridiculous hat
- Mint julep mention
- Celebrity sighting
- Commercial break
Three drinks for every:
- Use of the phrase “from the rail to the jail”
- Time the condition of the track is discussed
- Time you confuse Bob Baffert for George Seifert
- Note that it’s the “first Saturday in May”
- Man in a ridiculous hat
Drink continuously during:
Any interview with an owner or jockey
OK, here’s the second part. Each person has to select a horse from the field. Once the race begins, anytime the announcer mentions your horse, you must begin chugging until the horse of another participant is named. At that time, it’s the other person’s duty to do the same.
If your horse wins, no drinking. You’ve probably made money and will want to brag about it. If you don’t pick a winner, however, you must drink one drink for each place behind first your horse finished.
Bottom’s up.
Also, might I suggest this as your drink of choice? Since Derby day falls on Cinco de Mayo, it’s the perfect way to combine both.
MAY: THE MONEY MAKER
Created by Charles Joly
Chief Mixologist- The Drawing Room
Chicago, IL
Ingredients:
3 parts mint infused Hornitos® Plata Tequila
½ part quality raspberry liqueur
¼ part Branca Menta
1 ½ parts fresh lemon juice
½ part simple syrup
1 egg white
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Dry shake, without ice, to combine. Add ice, shake well and strain into an old fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.
*For the infusion: Combine 4 oz of washed mint with 500ml of Hornitos Plata. Cover and allow to infuse for 1 hour. Strain off tequila and enjoy.
