Mint Julep

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon
• 8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century.

To make this famous cocktail, combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Gently boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Cool and place in refrigerator overnight to allow the mint leaves to infuse the syrup with their flavor. When ready to serve, pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves.

Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. Adjust syrup for sweetness.

Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw and enjoy!