One of a Kind Bloody Mary Experiences for Derby Day

Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix partners with historic Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, Kentucky to create a one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary experience.

 

The Seelbach Hilton is equal parts historical landmark and architectural masterpiece. It began as the dream of two Bavarian brothers – Otto and Louis Seelbach – in 1869 when Louis came to Louisville to learn the hotel business. Built in 1905, they spared no expense, importing marbles from all over the world, bronzes from France, hardwoods from the West Indies and Europe, linens from Ireland, and valuable Turkish and Persian Rugs.

 

As the grandest hotel in Louisville and the center of Kentucky’s bourbon and whiskey country, The Seelbach attracted some of the most famous characters during the roaring ‘20s—including notorious figures like Lucky Luciano, Dutch Schultz, Al Capone, and the “King of Bootleggers” George Remus, a Cincinnati mobster who got rich running whiskey northward during prohibition. Considered a landmark from the “Golden Era,” the Seelbach and its grand ambience inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to use the hotel as a backdrop for a wedding in his novel, “The Great Gatsby.” Today, the Seelbach sits at the heart of Louisville attractions, sightseeing and nightlife.

 

“The Seelbach Hilton has such a storied history and is one of the most iconic destinations for the Derby, Kentucky Bourbon, classic cocktails and exemplary cuisine,” says E.G Fishburne, Vice President of Marketing at Zing Zang. “We are excited to add to that rich tradition and showcase Zing Zang’s versatility by offering a new variation of two quintessential cocktails with the Kentucky Mint Mary.”

Combining a classic Bloody Mary with the iconic Mint Julep for the Kentucky Mint Mary the cocktail was created by Tim Laird, creator of the now-famous Oak’s Lily Cocktail for Churchill Downs in 2006, which now rivals the Mint Julep in sales during Derby week. The new cocktail features Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix, premium Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, and mint simple syrup.

Creator Tim Laird is an authority on wines and spirits with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. A connoisseur of fine wines, spirits and champagnes, Laird is also a gourmet chef and master at entertaining. He is well-regarded throughout Louisville and host of Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs. “This drink is well-balanced. The savory flavors of Zing Zang, along with the vanilla and toasty notes of the bourbon, are complemented by a pleasing hint of mint,” says Laird.

 

The Millionaire’s Row Mary was conceived by Seelbach Hilton Executive Chef Paul Sant for Derby-goers looking to elevate their Kentucky Mint Mary experience, with sumptuous garnishes of an Alaskan king crab leg, U-10 scallop, seared foie gras, hickory smoked bacon and pickled vegetables.

“When I think of a perfect Bloody Mary it must have the right balance of premium spirit, creative garnish and of course, Zing Zang,” said Paul Sant, Executive Chef at the Seelbach Hilton. “In true Seelbach fashion, we have elevated the original Bloody Mary by adding some authentic Kentucky flavor and sophistication with the Kentucky Mint Mary and Millionaire’s Row Mary.”

 

The Kentucky Mint Mary and Millionaire’s Row Mary will be the first Bloody Marys to be featured at the Seelbach Hilton in recent history and will be available on a special Kentucky Derby menu from Thursday, May 5, to Saturday, May 7.

 

 

The Kentucky Mint Mary

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Old Forester bourbon
• 1/2 oz mint simple syrup*
• 4 oz Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix

Preparation: Add ingredients to a tall glass with ice, stir and garnish with mint sprigs.

 

*Mint Simple Syrup

• 1 part sugar
• 1 part water
• 1 part packed fresh mint leaves

Preparation: In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat, add the mint leaves, stir and let the mixture steep for 20 minutes. Strain before using, pressing on the mint leaves to extract as much syrup as possible.

Note: Mint Simple Syrup can be purchased where spirits are sold.