At the time of the Kentucky Derby, mint is growing like crazy in Kentucky and it provides just enough background sweetness to compliment the smoky woodiness of bourbon. A julep is actually a good morning mix because it's so refreshing and lets the kick of the bourbon come through. Like a good cup of coffee, a mint julep's got that zing about it.

In a slender Collins glass, muddle five or six mint leaves with one teaspoon superfine sugar and about half an ounce of bourbon until you get a paste. A good julep has to be cold, so pack the glass with crushed ice. Then add three ounces of good Kentucky bourbon like Woodford Reserve. Top off with a mound of crushed ice and a sprig of mint. Using a straw that reaches all the way to the bottom of the glass, give it a quick stir—and you're off.