Lemondrop

Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby. And while we're not going to go as far as to agree that it's "the greatest two minutes it sports," it does undoubtedly bring together the greatest two things of the summer: iced bourbon drinks and big hats.

Yes, the Kentucky Derby is a bizarre event -- too-young horses are raced too hard and then someone is covered with a blanket of roses at the end -- but we are completely willing to overlook a tradition wrought with animal cruelty for the sake of a mint julep.

You could just go out and buy some Early Times mix, but we know that you, like us, don't mess around with pre-made cocktails. (Those are only OK in the case of margaritas, and sometimes Bloody Marys.) Luckily, mint juleps are easy to do by yourself:

+ simple syrup (boil sugar and water)
+ mint
+ bourbon
+ ice
-------------
delicious and refreshing.

The drink is properly served in a silver julep cup over crushed ice and involves letting the mint syrup sit in the fridge overnight to bring out its true flavor, but we're not going to tell if you cheat.

Advanced mixologists might want to check out this site, which includes "several recipes for mint juleps from various authorities, all of whom, as it happens, are alumni of The University of the South." Sounds like they know what they're doing. (also, we love all sentiments listed here)