Bourbon, Mint, Silver Cup...Check! It's Derby Time!

It is that wonderful time of year again, the weekend of thoroughbreds, elaborate hats, silver cups and a two minute race. Yes, Saturday is the running of the Kentucky Derby 134 and with all the hype behind its signature drink, it's almost appropriate to deem the day "Mint Julep Day." Ah, that lovely bourbon drink with the freshness of spring mint and enough crushed ice for creating the perfect slow sipper. What more could you ask for an a sunny Kentucky afternoon?

There are many recipes for the "perfect" Mint Julep. My inbox fills up with them every year around this time, but I don't mind because it's interesting to see and taste the differences. Some use a mint-infused simple syrup, some straight sugar; 4 sprigs of mint or 4 leaves; crushed ice or cubed ice; 2 oz of bourbon or 4. Oh yeah, then there's the brand of bourbon! The variations are nearly endless despite the drink's simple construction, but the goal is to find your perfect Mint Julep.

And so, to prepare for "Mint Julep Day" here is some Mint Julep reading and watching for you...

• Mint Julep Recipe
  - my favorite recipe, usually with Maker's Mark, Booker's or Woodford Reserve
• Video: Mint Julep Recipe
  - Brice from the Bubble Lounge for About.com
• Video: The Mint Julep
  - Robert Hess, SmallScreenNetwork.com
• A Brief History of the Mint Julep
  - Kevin Garbee, Whiskey Guide for About.com
• Planning a Kentucky Derby Party
  - Donna Pilato, Entertaining Guide for About.com
• Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Cake
  - Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, Homecooking Guide for About.com