Kentucky Derby 2021 -Bourbonic

The pageantry and human-interest stories leading up to the Kentucky Derby are must-see tv for me. Inevitably some jockey’s life experience will have a David v. Goliath arc, an against all odds sense of achievement that will make him my pick to win. Or sometimes I like the name of the horse and that’s how I pick my favorite. The horse’s bloodline means nothing to me – I mean, who can keep it straight?

This year, before the television coverage begins, the stories of jockeys told, I know who I want to win - Kendrick Carmouche, riding Bourbonic. This was an ‘easy’ pick. A horse with bourbon in its name – it’s a gimme. AND THEN… I read about Mr. Carmouche, the first Black jockey to ride in the Derby since 2013. If (when) he wins, he’ll be the first Black Derby winner in over a century. I always bet on Black. Always. 😉

Leading up to race day, I was pretty sure I was going to make a traditional mint Julep. More than a year into this pandemic, I wanted something time-honored. Something to remind me of Derby parties from the past, before social distancing became a common phrase, and masks and hand sanitizers became de rigueur. But when I read about Mr. Carmouche, I decided to ad lib – a classic with a Melanin twist, cause you know that’s my thing. Smoked ice chips.

Oh My!

The smoked ice gave an earthiness to the drink that took an already delicious drink and made it divine.

To make smoked ice I placed a pot of water on my charcoal grill while making dinner. Using mesquite chips (cause that’s what I had on hand), I let the water to stay on the covered grill for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, freeze. Side note: does anyone have ice trays anymore? I bought ice trays when I made my son’s baby food and that was several years ago. Don’t judge my borderline hoarding tendencies.

I was planning to use the ice for another recipe, but Mr. Carmouche inspired me. Smoking ice this way requires some planning and may be a bit fussy. I get it. Sometimes you don’t plan ahead and other times you just want a yummy cocktail – get a cocktail smoker and try it. Still a few steps but oh so worth it. I promise.

Cheers!

~Kimberly Elise
#2BrownGirls
#MelaninTwist
#BlackGirlMagic