The 140th running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday. California Chrome is the early favorite at 5-2. He'll leave from the 5th position.  Post time is scheduled for 6:24pm on NBC 5. So what to do until race time? How bout making the drink of the Derby...The Mint Julep.

It consists of bourbon, sugar syrup and mint.  If you have it at the track, it comes in a souvenir glass available with all previous winners printed on the cup.  Here's my recipe..So make and enjoy at your own risk.

Here's what you'll need: 2 cups - sugar, 2 cups - water 16 oz – Maker’s Mark bourbon, 2 per mint julep, Crushed ice, 10 sprigs fresh mint, 8 mint julep glasses.

Combine the water and sugar in a pot and bring to a boil to make simple syrup.  Boil for about 5 minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with 2 sprigs of fresh mine and refrigerate overnight.

To make your Mint Julep, start by filling each Mint Julep glass with crushed ice. Add 1 tablespoon of the mint flavored simple syrup then 2 oz. of Maker's Mark Bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the glass (Or grab a frosted mug out of the frig.)

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint (or just say "Sprig It" and skip it.) It serves 6-8...If they only want one. You may want to double (or Triple Crown) it, so that you have enough for all the festivities.

Sip and enjoy...or gulp and enjoy faster. By the way, Jo Dee Messina will be only the 6th performer to sing the national anthem at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

 

 

 

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