Ready To Sip!

Happy Derby Day!!

In honor of the Kentucky Derby I made a special treat to take over to our friends BBQ this afternoon, Mint Julep Cupcakes!! The Mint Julep is a Kentucky Derby tradition which consists of fresh mint sprigs, bourbon whiskey, powdered sugar and water. I went to the actual derby two years ago and was able to taste the real thing. I'm not a fan of bourbon or whiskey, but when in Rome! The hostess asked us ladies to wear hats so I found the one I made when I went to the derby and gave it a little makeover. I thought making these cupcakes would be a fun way to serve the traditional Derby favorite, just sweetened up a bit more and garnished with straws and fresh mint!

*Even though there is alcohol in these it's only a very small amount per cupcake but don't worry the majority does cook out of the cupcakes (it may only leave small straces) and only leaves the flavor! Mint Julep Cupcakes

Cupcake

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp mint extract
• 4 eggs
• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup bourbon (or whiskey)*
• 1/2 cup Creme de Menthe *

Icing

• 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp mint extract
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 stick butter, melted
• milk

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease or line 30 cupcake cups ( I got 32 cupcakes). Combine salt, baking powder and 1 3/4 cups of the flour in medium bowl and set aside. In large mixing bowl beat butter, sugar, eggs, and extracts until creamy. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Add the milk and liquors to the batter, then the rest of the flour (1 cup). Mix as little as possible, just until the batter comes together.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool.

For the Icing: Combine the powdered sugar, salt extracts, and melted butter and beat until creamy. Gradually add milk until the texture is right for piping. When the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the icing on top. Garnish with cake sprinkles, a straw (trimmed to size) and mint leaves.

Ready to drink or I should say EAT!

Cupcake Photoshoot!