Mint Juleps for Derby Day

The Kentucky Derby is one of the grandest sporting events in the South, and the mint julep is its calling card. The classic mint julep is served in sterling cups, but if you don’t have enough for your party, use glass tumblers, which show off the amber bourbon and muddled mint.

When making a Mint Julep or Basil Julep, use crushed ice, and pack into the cup tightly to keep the drink very cold, causing the cup to frost evenly. (Hold the cup at the rim while making to avoid fingerprints on the frosted cup.) To make crushed ice: Fill a 1-gal. heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag half full with ice; seal. Crush ice using a rolling pin or heavy skillet.

• Recipe: Classic Mint Julep