The Hour

The Hour is back with a very special one-off programme, The Hour Goes to the Races, hosted by STV favourites Michelle McManus and John MacKay.

Joining them for a fun-filled day capturing the excitement of the event, which is being held in support of The Prince’s Charities in Scotland, are some of the show’s favourite experts including cocktail mixologist Andy Gemmell.

Here Andy shares some of his favourite cocktail recipes, inspired by race events, including the Mint Julep which has been the drink of choice at the Kentucky Derby since 1938, and the Perthshire Punch - a tipple created especially for Royal Charities day by the mixologist.

1. Mint Julep
The mint julep has been the drink of choice at the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Each year almost 120,000 juleps are served at Churchill Downs over the two day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, virtually all of them in specially made Kentucky Derby collectible glasses.

Ingredients:
•    8 fresh mint leaves
•    15ml sugar syrup
•    50ml Bourbon

Method:
1. Softly muddle all ingredients in Julep cup
2. Top with crushed ice and mint sprig garnish

2. The Perthshire Punch
Specially created for Royal Charities day at Perth Races by Andy Gemmell, using ingredients sourced locally.

Ingredients
• Scotch Whisky
• Elderflower cordial
• Fresh citrus
• Freshly pressed apple juice
• Blackberry liqueur
• Fresh blackberries
• Fresh sage

Method:
1. Add all ingredients to punch bowl
2. Add ice and serve

2. Bellini
The Bellini was invented sometime between 1934 and 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy.

Because of its unique pink colour, which reminded Cipriani of the colour of the toga of a saint in a painting by 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini, he named the drink the Bellini.

Ingredients:
• Fresh peach puree
• 10ml peach brandy
• Top with champagne

Method:
1. Build all ingredients in champagne flute
 
ON YOUR MARKS:

• Michelle McManus and John MacKay team up for a day at the races