Apart from the martini, the mint julep could be the most iconic cocktail in America. It is a drink that’s synonymous with the Kentucky Derby Day where large amounts of Mint Juleps are sipped under dressy hats. The Mint Julep is a cocktail of bourbon, simple syrup and mint served over crushed ice and it’s so easy you can make it yourself.

 MINT JULEP RECIPE

15 gms superfine sugar

30 ml hot water

8 mint leaves, plus one mint sprig

60 ml bourbon

Dissolve the sugar in the water in an old-fashioned glass or a julep cup. Add the mint leaves and press them lightly with a spoon. Add the bourbon, fill the glass with cracked ice, and stir. Plant the mint sprig in the ice alongside a short straw, and serve.