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5 great Mint Julep recipes for the Kentucky Derby

By Charles Rahrig V

May 2, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Keith Phillips makes a "$1,000 Mint Julep" before 141st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Keith Phillips makes a "$1,000 Mint Julep" before 141st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
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These are five of the best mint julep recipes to feature at your annual Kentucky Derby party on Saturday.

An event like none other, the Kentucky Derby stakes its claim on tradition as much as it does the horses racing. On Saturday, the 143rd annual Kentucky Derby will take place and thousands will flock to Churchill Downs for the event.

Along with the races, the hats, gambling and drinks will steal the show. Of course, a race like the Kentucky Derby has to have a traditional drink that ends up stealing the show. That drink is the Mint Julep.

The alcoholic beverage is a mixture of bourbon and mint, which creates for quite the afternoon leading up to the race. However, there is more than just one way to drink one. Sometimes, the standard way isn’t always the most exciting and occasionally for a traditionalist, it is. Here are five recipes to try at your Kentucky Derby party.

5. Jalapeno Mint Julep

Right off the bat, it’s not bad to just take things up a notch when making a jalapeno mint julep. If you want your party to stand out and for people to remember that you go the extra distance when making a drink, aim for the Jalepeno Mint Julep.

Countryliving.com provides an excellent recipe for the occasion. It’s easy to see what the main ingredient is, but it also features the mainstays of bourbon and mint leaves. The Jalapeno syrup is where things get different.

  • Four Mint Leaves
  • Ice (Crushed)
  • 2.5 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz Jalapeno Syrup
  • Club Soda
  • Sliced Jalapeno

It’s certainly a far cry from the classic and might be a bit too out there for some, but this drink certainly gets two thumbs up for creativity.

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