It's Kentucky Derby weekend, and in honor of that — and because we love bourbon — we feel compelled to feature these three mint julep recipes (a standard, and two variations) from Rickhouse barman Erick Castro. Says Castro, you can feel free to serve these in glass or the traditional metal cups, or just feel free to drop into Rickhouse before or after the Derby to try one yourself. Also, we'd recommend tracking down the tune "One Mint Julep" by Sarah Vaughan, and not drinking all three of these in one sitting.

And please, for the love of God, use crushed ice. [via Buzzed]

Classic Mint Julep

2 oz Bourbon
.25 oz Raw sugar simple syrup (one part water, one part raw sugar)
8 Mint leaves

Lightly muddle the mint and simple syrup in a julep cup. Add bourbon and pack tightly with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome and garnish with a mint sprig.