Horse racing’s most famous drink

It’s the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby. And, while the on- and off-field stars change from year to year, the starring beverage remains the same: the mint julep. If you’re making them at home:

• Start with a simple syrup (2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, dissolved, boiled and reduced by half).

• Add bruised mint to the syrup, then strain.

• Mix 2 teaspoons of mint syrup and 2 ounces of Kentucky bourbon.

• Pour over a cup packed with shaved or crushed ice.

Then, you’ll be off to the races on the first Saturday in May.

– Jennifer Fennell, The Tallahassee 100