Saturday is Derby Day!!! Nothing says "Derby" more than a mint julep.....and an awesome hat. In honor of the Running for the Roses here are two ways to celebrate in style. One is traditional, the other is for the faint of heart. Although, option #2 is delicious!

Traditional Mint Julep

Ingredients:

* About 20 mint leaves, plus more for garnish if you like
* 2 tsp. sugar or 2 tsp. simple syrup or mint simple syrup
* 2 to 3 oz. bourbon
* Plenty of crushed ice

You can make a mint simple syrup with this method: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Transfer syrup to a small metal bowl and let sit until cool, about 10 minutes. Use warm, let cool to room temperature, or store, covered and chilled, up to six months.

Preparation:

1. Put mint leaves and sugar (or simple syrup or Simple Mint Syrup in Mint Julep cup, old-fashioned glass, or similar vessel. I prefer a silver cup. I also prefer to muddle my mint with the sugar instead of using the syrup. It just makes me feel very "proper" (if that is possible)
2. Muddle leaves and sugar until sugar dissolves. This will take a minute or two and a bit of effort. Do not be discouraged - the sugar and mint will come together in a lovely, fragrant mash.
3. Add bourbon, stir. Fill glass with crushed ice and stir until an icy frost develops on the outside of the glass (this will be more obvious and apparent on a metal or silver cup than on glass).
4. Garnish with additional mint leaves (or even an entire sprig), if you're so inclined. But in any case, serve immediately.

Makes 1 Mint Julep Cocktail. P.S. Wear a big fancy hat.

Now, here is my recipe for Mint "Tulips"

Ingredients:

3 oz. dry white wine
1 oz sparkling pear soda
1 tsp. agave nectar
Garnish with fresh mint.

Chill all the ingredients except the mint beforehand. Mix together and enjoy. You can use a bit of crushed ice, but I don't. This is a lighter version, and very easy too do. Yes, you can drink a few more of them, but you must wear a smaller hat. Only the big girls drinking bourbon can wear the big hats.