Giddy up! The 139th Kentucky Derby is here, and while we may not be at Churchill Downs to enjoy the race in person, we can still don our biggest hats, best seersucker suits and sip delicious mint juleps — the drink of choice for Kentucky Derby revelers. A refreshing spring drink, mint juleps are relatively easy to make at home, and in just a few steps, you’ll be enjoying your own mint julep from the comfort of your couch. Below you’ll find a mint julep recipe — including ingredients and directions — to prepare for the big race, courtesy of  The Food Network’s Emeril Lagasse.

How to Make a Mint Julep

Ingredients:

  • 6 to 8 mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Crushed ice
  • 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
  • Splash Simple Syrup
  • Sprig mint, for garnish

Preparation:

  1. Put the mint leaves and the sugar in the bottom of a tall glass.
  2. With the handle of a wooden spoon, crush and mash the leaves to extract the flavor.
  3. Fill the glass with crushed (not cubed) ice.
  4. Pour in the bourbon.
  5. Top with a splash of simple syrup.
  6. With a long-handled spoon, jiggle (not stir) to chill and mix.
  7.  Garnish with a sprig of mint.
  8. Sip.
For those of you who need a visual aspect, here’s a video instructing how to make a mint julep.

While the Kentucky Derby may feel like its all about wearing your Southern best and sipping mint juleps, it’s first and foremost a horse race. The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, and it is one of three races, or “legs,” that make up the Triple Crown, a highly coveted title obtained only by winning all three legs. The other two legs are the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, MD, and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, NY.

Post time for today’s Kentucky Derby is scheduled for 6:24 p.m., so start mixing those drinks now. To help you get into the Southern spirit, check out this slideshow of gigantic Kentucky Derby hats below.

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