Guess Who's Getting Ready for Derby Day?

 Joshua Soule Smith's Ode to the Mint Julep

Then comes the zenith of man's pleasure. Then, comes the julep, the Mint Julep. Who has not tasted one has lived in vain. The honey of Hymettus brought no such solace to the soul; the nectar of the god's is tame beside it. It is the very dream of drinks, the vision of sweet quaffings.

The bourbon and the mint are lovers. in the same land they live, on the same food they are fostered. The mint dips its limpid leaf in the same stream that gives the bourbon what it is. The corn grows in the level lands through which the small streams meander. By the brookside the mint grows. As the wavelets pass, they glide up to kiss the feet of the royal mint. It bends to salute them, gracious and kind it is, living only for the sake of others. The crushing of it only makes its sweetness more apparent. Like a woman's heart, it gives its sweetest aroma when bruised.…

How shall it be? Take from the cold spring some water, pure as angels are; mix it with sugar till it seems like oil. Then take a glass and crush your mint within it with a spoon — crush it around the borders of the glass and leave no place untouched. Then throw the mint away — it is the sacrifice. Fill with cracked ice the glass; pour in the quantity of Bourbon which you want. It trickles slowly through the ice. Let it have time to cool, then pour your sugared water over it. No spoon is needed; no stirring allowed- just let it stand a moment. Then around the brim place sprigs of mint, so that the one who drinks may find the taste and odor at one draft.

Then when it is made, sip it slowly. August suns are shining, the breath of the south wind is upon you. It is fragrant cold and sweet – it is seductive. No maidens kiss is tenderer or more refreshing, no maidens touch could be more passionate. Sip it and dream — it is a dream itself.