In little more than two weeks, the most famous horse race in the United States will get underway. The Kentucky Derby, always held the first Saturday in May, is just about the most exciting two minutes in sports and it’s one of the tastiest, too. The Mint Julep is the traditional drink served under these very traditional circumstances so think about putting them on your Run for the Roses menu. Enjoy this trifecta of Mint Julep cocktail recipes to sip at your own Kentucky Derby soiree.

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Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe #1

1 Tablespoon superfine sugar
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
1 Tablespoon hot water
2 jiggers (3 Tablespoons) Kentucky bourbon

In a small mixing bowl, muddle together the sugar and mint leaves. Add hot water and grind mixture into a paste. Pour mint mixture into the bottom of a chilled rocks glass and fill glass with ice. Pour bourbon over ice and stir until the outside of glass is frosty, allowing the ice to dilute the beverage before drinking.

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Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe #2

2 Tablespoons sugar water*
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
2 jiggers (3 Tablespoons) Kentucky bourbon

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add sugar water and mint leaves; shake vigorously to bruise mint leaves. Add bourbon and shake till shaker is frosty on the outside. Pour into ice-filled rocks glass.

*Make simple syrup by adding equal parts sugar and water (1 cup sugar and 1 cup water) to a small saucepan and cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Cool and chill before using as a cocktail ingredient.

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Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe #2

1 jigger peppermint schnapps
2 jiggers (3 Tablespoons) Kentucky bourbon
Mint leaves for garnish

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Other Kentucky Derby traditions:

Always use Kentucky bourbon. Only Kentucky bourbon.

Drink Mint Juleps from an icy cold silver cup.

Red roses - the race is called the Run for the Roses because the winning horse is draped with a blanket made from 554 red roses for show-pony prancing in the Winner’s Circle.

Hats - ladies, go wild with the millinery, just like they do in Ascot.