Make Your Own Kentucky Derby Mint Julep [RECIPE]

It's kind of weird having the Kentucky Derby and Cinco De Mayo on the same weekend, so do I have a Margarita or a Mint Julep? Jay Franiak will be getting everyone ready with Derby Day on Saturday with a broadcast at Tioga Downs in Nichols from 2 to 4 p.m.

If you plan on watching the race at home, the post time is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. and you can watch it on NBC 5. This will give you plenty time to make the drink of choice for the Derby before it begins.

It consists of bourbon, sugar syrup and mint. Here's the recipe:

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! That way when you're horse doesn't win, you really won't care.

[via Kentucky Derby]