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.

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