In honour of the great Kentucky Derby, I was asked to review Phillips Union whiskey in the derby-famous Mint Julep. I admit it… can’t drink whiskey by itself. But combined with another ingredient—delic! One of my favorite drinks is the Whiskey Sour, and I once had a whiskey icecream that was unforgettable. So let’s talk Mint Julep. Not the biggest fan—but with Phillips Union Vanilla Infused Whiskey… now we’re talkin! Infused with the coveted Madagascar Vanilla Orchids (world’s only edible orchid), the flavour is sweet in an unoffensive way. I could actually drink it on the rocks—it’s that good. At this year’s Kentucky Derby, over 120,000 of them were reportedly served. And this past Saturday, a horse named Street Sense was the toast of the track. At the tender age of three, he took home the Derby Purse for a cool 2 mil. For the annual charity event, $1000 Mint Juleps were served in specially cast silver and gold cups with proceeds going to help retired racehorses. (Luxist has quite the hot-headed comment forum on the fundraiser.) I myself love horses, enjoy riding them, think they deserve more than what they usually end up getting. If you were among the thousands who watched this year’s race whilst enjoying a frosty Mint Julep, you were in good company. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and were among the onlookers. Hear, hear to giving classic cocktails and retired racehorses the respect they both deserve. Now I KNOW you’re thinking, “but what sign is this delicious drink? And the answer is…. LIBRA! The aromatic and pleasing flavours of mint and vanilla fall under the rule of the planet VENUS, making the Vanilla Mint Julep a cocktail of LIBRA.

VANILLA MINT JULEP:
2 ½ parts Phillips Union Vanilla Whiskey OR infuse your own*
4 fresh mint sprigs
1 tsp. powdered sugar
2 tsp. water

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a Collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add Vanilla. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

* Vanilla-infused whiskey:
Slit whole vanilla bean in half and drop both haves into a 750 ml bottle of whiskey. Allow to sit in dark location for three weeks before using.