The Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby, and 4 Brilliant Variations on the Classic

Of course we love the excuse to trot out a grand hat, admire the handsome horses, and get swept up in all the Southern charm of Derby Day fanfare, but we have to be honest: we're really here for the drinks. While plenty of mint julep recipes require muddling mint and sugar for each individual drink--a labor of love, to be sure--the official mint julep of the Kentucky Derby offers a handy shortcut in the form of fresh mint-infused simple syrup. Even if you're not a bourbon fan (!?) or if mint make you feel like you just left the dentist, we've got four twists on the classic julep, one of which is sure to suit your fancy (hat). -Sarah McColl, Shine staff