Mint Juleps vs. Margaritas: Best Drink for Derby Day on Cinco de Mayo

Have you ever mixed a margarita with a mint julep? Now's the time to try.

The Kentucky Derby happens to fall on May 5--Cinco de Mayo--this year, meaning there's twice as much reason to party on Saturday. If you're not planning to watch the biggest race of the year at nearby Santa Anita Park, throw your own party and use these recipes.

The Early Times Mint Julep (from kentuckyderby.com):

2 Cups sugar
2 Cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Early Times Kentucky Bourbon
Silver Julep Cups

"No Derby Party is complete without the Mint Julep which has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century," the official Kentucky Derby website states.

Original Bacardi Mojito (from kentuckyderby.com):

1 Part Bacardi Rum
3 Parts Club Soda
12 Mint Leaves
1/2 Lime
1/2 Part Sugar

Beer-a-rita

This one's become popular in recent years. Just find a frozen margarita recipe (here's one) and fill a giant margarita glass half-full. Then invert your favorite beer--use a Mexican lager like Dos Equis or Corona if you want to stay faithful to the spirit--and pour it on in. It tastes much better than it sounds.

The Juleparita

I made this one up, patent pending. If it's late into the night and you're feeling frisky, try mixing your mint julep with your margarita. It probably won't disappoint. But it might.

Where to prepare locally:

Buy your favorite spirits at any of these local establishments: