Are you going to be watching the Kentucky Derby today?? All over the nation folks will be attending, watching or hosting parties to celebrate this iconic event. The first Kentucky Derby race was run in 1875. They say that close to 10,000 people watched as 15 thoroughbred horses ran what was then a 1.5 mile course. In 1876, the length of the race was changed to 1.25 miles. By the early 1900s, owners of winning Kentucky Derby horses started sending their winners to run in the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York. In 1930, sportswriter Charles Hatton coined the term “Triple Crown” in reference to the same horses running the three races consecutively. Today you can expect over 150,00 people in attendance. Some of the things the Kentucky Derby is KNOWN for though…mint juleps, ladies wearing over the top hats, and lots of good food. The traditional meal of the Kentucky Derby is a rich, meaty stew that is called Burgoo.
So, while I may be watching the “Run for the Roses” I won’t be having Burgoo or mint juleps…but I might have a Tea-Lep! Huh? Well, it is similar, but it’s made with Pure Leaf Sweetened Iced Tea!!! I make all of my drinks non-alcoholic, but you can easily add alcohol to yours. It’s all about choice. And there are so many different recipes you could use and create using Pure Leaf Tea! Here let me share some of the ones that Pure Leaf shared with me that I am excited about:
DERBY DAY TEA-LEP
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
3 ounces Pure Leaf Sweetened Iced Tea
3 lemon slices
6 large mint leaves
In highball glass, add mint and then crush. Add two lemon slices and fill glass with ice, Pure Leaf Sweetened Iced Tea. Garnish with one lemon slice.
Tip: For a special twist, add 1 ounce Kentucky bourbon.
BASIL MO-TEA-TOS
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
1 large lime, quartered
6 large fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup sugar
16 ounces Pure Leaf Green Tea with Honey
2 cups chilled seltzer
In glass pitcher, squeeze lime, then basil and sugar. With wooden spoon, thoroughly crush against side of pitcher; add lime rinds.
Stir in Pure Leaf Green Tea with Honey.
Just before serving, add seltzer and pour into ice-filled glasses.
Tip: For a special twist, substitute 1 cup light rum for 1 cup of the seltzer.
FRUIT-TEA SMOOTHIES
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
16 ounces Pure Leaf Iced Tea with Lemon or Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea, chilled
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup fat free vanilla ice cream
1 tablespoon sugar
In blender, process all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately in tall glasses and garnish, if desired, with fresh strawberries.
You can find more recipes and learn more about Pure Leaf teas by visiting their Facebook page!
Once you get there just click on their recipe tab and you will all kinds of great ideas.
The possibilities are endless! I hope that you have a great “Derby Day” and get to try some of these recipes with your family and friends! As for me, I have to go find my hat. And where I sat my Tea-Lep. And decide who I hope wins.
“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Lipton Pure Leaf. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for participating”
