I really mint it.

The Kentucky Derby

official starts tomorrow.

I plan on celebrating

the Churchill Downs

all weekend long.

And to really celebrate the derby,

what better way than with a

Mint Julep?

We can all be winners together

for scoring the coveted recipe for

The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans,

Traditional Mint Julep.

* 12-15 fresh mint leaves, reserve one sprig for garnish

* 1 ounce peach syrup, like Monin

* 2 1/2 ounces of Bourbon

* superfine sugar

Step 1.

Place mint & 1/4 ounce peach syrup in julep cup

and gently crush leaves with a wooden muddler,

working them up the sides of the glass.

2. Loosely pack the glass with finely crushed ice,

then add bourbon.

Drizzle remaining peach syrup on top.

Sprinkle fine sugar on the mint leaf, and garnish with the mint leaf.

Yield: 1 cocktail

I have never made one for myself. Have any of you? Any "special" tips you can share?

recipe courtesy of the New York Times/ photo from Southern Living