		Recipes Bourbon Classics The Mint Julep In the United States, everyone is a Kentuckian on the first Saturday in May when the world's fastest thoroughbred racehorses compete in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.Known as the Run for the Roses (the trophy for the winning horse is a garland of deep red roses), the Kentucky Derby captures the imagination of the entire nation. Most Americans toast their Kentucky Derby with the traditional Mint Julep, a cool and refreshing concoction of mint leaves, syrup and their favorite bourbon. 1)Prepare the mint extract from a handful of tender, fresh mint. 2)Pour enough bourbon into a small bowl to cover leaves and allow leaves to soak for 15 minutes. 3)Place leaves in a clean cotton cloth. 4)Wring mint bundle vigorously over the bowl of bourbon and repeat procedure several times. 5)Prepare simple syrup from equal amounts of sugar and water, heating and cooling until sugar dissolves. Cool the mixture. 6)Pour 3 1/2 parts bourbon and one part syrup into a large bowl. Add the mint stock to the bowl until there is a taste and smell of mint. Fill 10- or 12- ounce glasses with crushed ice (a true bourbon connoisseur would use only a coin-silver julep cup). Insert a sprig of fresh mint. Pour the refrigerated julep stock over the ice and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Manhattan The Manhattan is a slightly sweet beverage and a long-time standard in Hollywood movies. Most historians trace the introduction of the Manhattan to New York City in 1874, when the woman who would later be the mother of Winston Churchill hosted a banquet to celebrate the election of Samuel Tilden as governor of the state of New York. The bartender at the event created this mix of bourbon and sweet vermouth for the newly-elected governor. The beverage was well received by the governor, and the proud bartender prepared the beverage for all attendees, proclaiming that he would name the drink for the site of the celebration, the elegant Manhattan Club. 2 1/2 ounces bourbon 1 1/4 ounces sweet vermouth (or dry vermouth, as preferred by some bourbon drinkers) 2 drops maraschino cherry juice Stir or shake with ice, strain into cocktail glass, garnish with cherry. Old Fashioned Ask some enthusiasts how they like their bourbon and they'll reply, "The Old Fashioned way." The Old Fashioned is one of the more popular after-dinner bourbon beverages. Many enjoy the Old Fashioned because it does not dilute the taste of the bourbon. Instead, there is an additional sweet, herbal taste. 1/2 lump sugar 2 dashes bitters Cover sugar with water and mix.Add 1 ice cube. 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon Add lemon twist; garnish with orange, lemon or cherry. Holiday Favorites Bourbon & Eggnog Traditional Christmas and New Year's celebrations in the United States have long included various recipes of eggnog with bourbon. In fact, in many parts of the United States, partygoers present their hosts with a bottle of bourbon -- and the making of eggnog with bourbon becomes a focal point of the festivities. Classic Southern Eggnog (A good recipe for 'beginners') 3 eggs, separated 1/2 cup sugar, divided 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey 1/2 pint whipping cream 1/2 cup milk nutmeg Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry; gradually add 3 tablespoons sugar, beating continuously. Beat egg yolks, add 3 tablespoons sugar, beating until well blended. Add whiskey very slowly; fold in beaten egg whites. Whip cream until almost stiff; add 3 tablespoons sugar and beat until cream holds a peak. Gently fold into egg mixture; stir in milk. Serve very cold with grated nutmeg as desired. Makes 6 servings.