This Saturday at Churchill Downs marks the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby. The event is steeped in traditions that make attending the Derby a unique experience. Besides the women wearing huge elaborate hats, the pre-race parade of horses while the U of Louisville marching band plays "My Old Kentucky Home", and the draping of 554 red roses over the winning horse, there's the drinking of mint juleps in ice-frosted silver cups. A lot of mint juleps.

According to the makers of Early Times Mint Julep Cocktail, (“The Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®"), every year almost 120,000 juleps are served over the two day event. This requires over 10,000 bottles of their ready-to-serve cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice. It's a wonder anyone is conscious to watch the race.

You can find their traditional recipe here, but if you're looking for something different (and I know you are) try this one from Phillips Union Whiskey. They make flavored whiskeys that add a different twist to traditional cocktails. Their mint julep recipe smoothes things out by calling for their vanilla flavored whiskey. And it's not served in the traditional silver cup... but I'm guessing you don't have a set of silver cups lying around your place anyway.

Phillips Union Vanilla Mint Julep
2 1/2 parts Phillips Union Vanilla Whiskey
4 fresh mint sprigs
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a Collins glass.  Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add Phillips Union Vanilla Whiskey.  Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

For additional cocktail recipes visit www.phillipsunion.com.