The first Saturday in May means horse racing … and not just any old horse race. It means "The Kentucky Derby".  Probably the most identifiable recipe when you think of the Derby is the Mint Julep. It's a drink that has been served at Churchill Downs for over 100 years. You may not know this, but the original Mint Julep was made with brandy, not bourbon. Over the years the less expensive liquor has become the preferred ingredient. Here’s how you can make them for your Derby Party.

Mint Julep (Cocktail)
Here's the traditional Mint Julep recipe that's made with alcohol, Kentucky Bourbon (or Brandy, if your prefer).

Ingredients:
2 Cups of sugar
2 Cups of water
Fresh Mint Sprigs
Crushed ice
Kentucky Bourbon

Directions:
* Boil the sugar and water together for about 5 minutes to make a simple syrup.
* Put the syrup and some of the mint sprigs in a covered container and let it cool. The longer the better - you want the mint to flavor the syrup.
* Fill a julep glass with crushed ice and add one tablespoon of the syrup and two ounces of bourbon to the cup.
* Stir until the outside of the cup is frosted.
* Serve with mint garnish.

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Mint Julep (Mocktail)
For those guests who prefer non-alcohol drinks or those guests under drinking age, here’s an alcohol free version of the drink that you can serve. They can still be a part of the Derby tradition with this mock up of the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep cocktail.

Ingredients:
2 Cups of Sugar
2 Cups of Water
Fresh Mint Sprigs
Crushed Ice
Lemon juice
Ginger Ale

Directions:
* Boil the sugar and water together for about 5 minutes to make a simple syrup.
* Put the syrup and some of the mint sprigs in a covered container and let it cool. The longer the better - you want the mint to flavor the syrup.
* Put Mint Sprigs (leaves) in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
* Add simple syrup and lemon juice to desired sweetness.
* Pour mint mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
* Top with Ginger Ale and garnish with a sprig of mint.