It's time for a diversion. The Kentucky Derby is just six days away. You may not be able to pick a winner (more on that later in the week), but you can enjoy a Mint Julep. Mint Juleps require a bit of preparation, so check out the recipe below and get your grocery shopping done soon.
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Bourbon
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a glass with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
If you're not a bourbon fan, I recommend sweetening your drink with some powdered sugar on top of the ice.