Molly Wellmann makes the Kentucky Derby version of this classic cocktail — and she says bourbon isn’t even the most vital part. “The most important thing in a mint julep is the ice,” she says. “You have to have crushed ice in a julep, and it has to be packed into a glass or a silver julep cup.” Adding mint simple syrup and a few mint springs to finish it off will do the trick.

Classic Mint Julep
Recipe courtesy of Molly Wellmann

INGREDIENTS
1/2 ounce mint simple syrup
4 ounces bourbon
Crushed ice
3 big, fresh mint sprigs
Silver julep cup or Collins glass
A straw

DIRECTIONS
Add mint simple syrup and bourbon into the julep cup or Collins glass. Stir. Add as much crushed ice as you can fit into the glass. Garnish with mint sprigs and add a straw right in the middle of the mint.

Mint Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 handful fresh mint leaves

DIRECTIONS
Heat water and sugar in a pan, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture just reaches a boil. Add mint and stir. Remove from heat and let sit until cooled at room temperature. Strain the mixture into a bottle, careful not to include any leaf bits from the mint.