It's Kentucky Derby Time, Enjoy a Mint Julep

If you can't be at Churchill Downs but still want to experience the best of the Kentucky Derby, the best place to start is with a Mint Julep in your hand.

For more than 100 years, the mint julep has been the classic beverage of the Kentucky Derby. If you were in attendance, you would witness nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps being served. That takes nearly 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of fresh mint, and an impressive 60,000 pounds of ice.

It doesn't take quite that much for you to have the same experience at home. Here is exactly what you need to experience a little of Derby Day for yourself.

Mint Julep Recipe

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Springs of fresh mint
• Crushed ice
• Bourbon whiskey

You can also use simple syrup, but you can make your own by just boiling the sugar and water together for about five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of mint, then refrigerate overnight. If you don't have time to soak overnight, muddle the mint and the simple syrup.

You should make just one julep at a time. Fill your cup with crushed ice, add one tablespoon of the mint syrup, and add two ounces of whiskey.

Garnish with a spring of fresh mint.

As you sip on this refreshing beverage, you can enjoy the Kentucky Derby festivities and view the race.  

Here are all the important details of the race:

• When: 6:57 p.m. Saturday
• Where: Churchill Downs
• TV: NBC and Peacock.
• Purse: $5 million (Grade 1)
• Distance: 1 1/4 miles
• For: 3-year-old Thoroughbreds