Mint julep invoked scorching heat, distant thunder, and the stridulation of crickets in prickly grass.

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For the end point, we would be better off measuring the ability of people to sit on the front porch and drink a mint julep.

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The Mint Julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, and the recipe calls for little more than bourbon with some sugar, water and mint.

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Drink your mint julep with a side of history, settle in at the Old Seelbach Bar , founded in 1905 and part of the Seelbach Hilton Hotel.

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It is through compromise, discussion, healthy debate, attending dinners and luncheons together, playing golf and basketball, or poker, sharing a mint julep or a Makers Mark, and so on.

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The Derby, of course, features the iconic Mint Julep.

FORBES: An Insider's Guide To Kentucky Derby 138

Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky.

FORBES: An Insider's Guide To Kentucky Derby 138