Whether you're planning on visiting Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby or simply sitting in your living room wearing an extravagant hat, you'll want to sip on a Mint Julep - a sweet, refreshing Southern cocktail that gets better with every sip (mainly because it dilutes and you're already tipsy).

The Mint Julep drink has been very popular in Kentucky since 1938 and is typically made with fresh mint, bourbon, and plenty of crushed or shaved ice.

Here is an easy, foolproof recipe, courtesy of Today.com:

Yields: One Serving

Prep Time: 5 Min

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon
• Soda water
• 8 to 10 mint leaves
• Crushed ice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Lemon twist

Place mint leaves, sugar and a small measure of bourbon in a glass. Muddle with spoon. Half fill the glass with ice and gently agitate the mixture. Fill with remaining ice, add the rest of bourbon and top off with soda water. Garnish with fresh sprig of mint and a twist of lemon. Gently dust with sugar.

It's best to use a high-proof bourbon to make sure you can taste it over the crushed ice and water.

Cheers!