The first weekend of May means extravagant hats, fast horses and plenty of frosty mint juleps. Even if you’re not dressing up to visit Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby is a great reason to bring some pomp and circumstance to your home—and your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a day-long viewing party or just tuning in for the title race, no Derby Day is complete without a mint julep.
Ahead of the race this Saturday, we’re turning to the one and only Martha Stewart, who visited The TODAY Show to share her secrets for making an elevated version of Louisville’s signature cocktail. The key to the most delicious minty drink? According to Martha Stewart, you must add lemon syrup.
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Why Should You Add Lemon Syrup to a Mint Julep?
It sounds fancy, but it’s easy enough to make your own lemon syrup by simmering equal parts fresh lemon juice and sugar with a splash of water and the lemon rinds. Stewart says to cook this mixture until you have a “thick, beautiful syrup.” The lemon syrup is a natural pairing for the mint and the citrusy flavor also brightens up the bourbon.
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How to Make A Mint Julep Like Martha Stewart
Of course, the lemon syrup isn’t Martha’s only upgrade. To serve your mint juelp with flair, Stewart recommends rimming the glasses with raw sugar. The traditional glass for a mint julep is a tall pewter or silver cup called a julep cup that develops a frosty sheen when the drink is ice-cold. To garnish your glasses, wet the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into a plate of raw sugar. The sugar adds a pretty, glittery garnish and gives you a hit of crunchy sugar with each sip.
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To make the cocktails, Stewart muddles a few sprigs of fresh mint with an ounce of the lemon syrup in each glass. Muddling, or mashing, the mint helps release the fresh, aromatic flavor of the herb. Next, add two ounces of bourbon and fill the glasses to the top with ice. Add a fresh sprig of mint, and you’ve got a fresh take on the classic Derby cocktail.
One word of warning: Stewart mentions that these drinks are strong, so pace yourself, especially if you’re planning to place some big bets this Saturday!
Related: How to Make the Best Shrimp Scampi of Your Life, According to Martha Stewart
More Kentucky Derby Recipes You Need to Try
Need more inspiration to build out your Derby Day spread? Here are some of our favorite recipes.
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Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
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Whipped Charred Onion Pimento Cheese
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Chocolate Cream Pie
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Hot Brown Tarts
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