The mint julep, a combination of bourbon, simple syrup (sugar and water) and mint, has been the drink of choice at the Kentucky Derby since its introduction as a 75-cent cocktail at Churchill Downs in 1938. Tens of thousands of mint juleps, at a cost of $9 a pop, are expected to be quaffed down during Saturday's 136th Run for the Roses. Here is a traditional recipe served up at Proof on Main, the signature restaurant at the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, for those who won't be a part of the expected 140,000 to attend this year's Derby.

Traditional mint julep