There was a time in my life when going to Louisville to watch the derby in Churchill Downs was on my bucket list. I used to head out to the closest race track with my college friends to celebrate the occasion, which often coincides with the first REAL lovely weekend of spring for us northerners. Don’t get me wrong, seeing the race in person STILL IS on my bucket list, but right now, in this season of life, it’s on the back burner. Still, do I plan on celebrating with a Kentucky Derby Party? Yes, yes I do. And this year, I discovered a recipe to make the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby. That’s right—a simple, delicious Mint Julep, the classic cocktail using one of my favorite bourbons, Old Forester.

Old Forester Classic Mint Julep Recipe:

Ingredients needed:

• 2 parts Old Forester 86 Proof
• 0.75 part simple syrup
• 8-10 mint leaves (plus an additional sprig of mint, for garnish)
• Crushed ice

Tools needed:

• Muddler
• Traditional julep cup

Put the mint leaves and simple syrup into your traditional julep cup and muddle them together. Add the bourbon, fill the cup with crushed ice, and stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Tastes like spring.

Enjoy!

Want more cocktail recipes?

So put on your best derby hat, gather a few friends, and get ready to celebrate this year’s Kentucky Derby on May 4.

Editor’s Note: This post is sponsored by Old Forester. The compensation we receive in exchange for placement on Wit & Delight is used to purchase props, hire a photographer, write/edit the blog post, and support the larger team behind Wit & Delight.

While compensation was received in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts like these allow us to continue to develop dynamic unsponsored content. Thank you for supporting our partners!

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.