Preakness2020

It was the start of Derby weekend and I was talking with my sister about how she would love a mint julep. Living in Maryland, she immediately went to Preakness, the second jewel in the triple crown, being 2 weeks away.  I immediately went to, what do ya’ll drink at Preakness? LOL I am so predictable I make myself laugh.

Well if you’re from Maryland, live in Maryland or spent any significant amount of time in Maryland there are three things guaranteed: 1) you LOVE your state flag – what’s up with that? 2) You LOVE crabs. and 3) Old Bay seasoning makes EVERYTHING better. I mean everything. I swear my sister has it stored in gallon bags like she’ll need it for Armageddon. 

I immediately started thinking about how I could use Old Bay in a bourbon drink. It has such a strong flavor that I knew it would require a bold bourbon. But how to incorporate it? A simple syrup – equal parts water and sugar - seemed like the easiest way to manage it. I started with the simple syrup and added 1 teaspoon of Old Bay. It was ok but not anything earth shattering. I added two teaspoons and that was better; but I wanted to push the envelope, so I added a third – ahh, too much. My sister would probably love it; but it was too much for me. I threw that batch out and made it again with 2 teaspoons.

The traditional simple syrup was good; but I wasn’t satisfied. I went back into my lab, aka my kitchen, and started looking for other options. I moved on to honey. Honey was ok but ended up being too sweet and didn’t compliment the Old Bay.

Then I got inspired and went to maple syrup and a winner was born. The inherent smokiness in maple syrup paired wonderfully well with the Old Bay. They just worked. The aromatics of the Old Bay hit the nose. I recommend a bourbon with a big flavor to work with this syrup. Though a lighter bourbon, sweeter bourbon also tasted divine.

In honor of my sister and Preakness I’ve created —

Recipe: Juliet’s Savory Second Jewel.

Try it and let me know what you think.

Cheers
~Kimberly Elise

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