Gallops and Juleps

The Porch restaurant hosts a horse-powered, physically distanced Derby celebration

On Kentucky Derby day, especially one that’s been postponed since May, do as the Southerners do: Drink mint juleps. At The Porch Restaurant and Bar’s outdoor, socially distanced watch party for the annual horse race on Sept. 5, co-bar manager Craig Moravitz will craft the cocktail by stirring Woodford Reserve bourbon, simple syrup and mint leaves with crushed ice in Run for the Roses commemorative glasses (pictured) and copper cups. Even though Moravitz will also be slinging other themed thirst quenchers like a peach julep and a Kentucky mule with freshly muddled strawberries (dangerously reminiscent of strawberry lemonade), the mint julep will slide across the midtown eatery’s bar top most, which is only fitting, given that it’s the official drink of the Derby. Don’t let the tipple’s finishing touches—a perky sprig of mint and snowy dusting of confectioners’ sugar—fool you. “It’s definitely a drinker’s drink,” says Moravitz. “You have to like bourbon, there’s no way around it.”

Reservations by phone are required. Sept. 5. 2-5 p.m. 1815 K St. 916-444-2423.
theporchrestaurantandbar.com