A lovely afternoon with friends, Maker’s Mark and ponies…what a great way to spend Derby Day! The Tipsy Texan and Maker’s Mark hosted this lovely party at Rain Lily Farms on the East Side. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, warm yet dry. I arrived on the scene early enough to stroll the grounds quietly and watch folks trickling in clad in seersucker and big hats. I grabbed my official Churchill Downs glass, dipped in red wax (thank you, Adam Harris of Maker’s Mark!), and headed to the bar. In one booth the classic Mint Julep was being served. And, in the other there were a few takes on the julep…a Raspberry one, a great orange and thyme twist and a cinnamon julep. All the variations were creations by Tipsy Tech students…my classmates! Yay!

At its peak the party gathered around the race projected onto a great big canvas backdrop which I couldn’t really see, but that was no worry because I got to watch the peg-pony races afterwards. Yes, pony races! Adam handed out these little ponies and after a 10 second head spin, folks raced. Hilarity ensued and winners were treated to more mint juleps! Here’s to Maker’s Mark stepping it up…Cheers!