I'm going to the Derby

And I must find a ridiculous hat in the next few weeks. Other than a mint julip, what should I drink when I get there?

Maker's Mark with one small ice cube, otherwise straight up. That will not only make it a memorable event for you, but will impress those around you with your Kentucky Bourbon savvy.

I did not care for mint julips, but the signature drink for the Oaks Race on Friday is the Oaks Lily and it's wonderful. I'm not much for bourbon as it was my dad's signature drink and I had an unfortunate experience with it when I was 17. The Oaks Lily has it's own link, but here's the recipe. http://www.kentuckyderby.com/oaks/traditions/oaks-lily%C2%AE

Oaks Lily

1 oz. vodka
1 oz. sweet and sour mix
3 oz. cranberry juice
splash triple sec

Over crushed ice garnished with a cherry and orange wedge.

Yum!

At an antiques place, I bought a stack of short silver tumblers. They are used by my grandchildren for cold drinks, as an alternative to breakable glass. (I don’t do plastic.) Come to discover they are for mint juleps. Am I leading them down the wrong path? Of course, the wool cozys, shaped like chickens, that protect their hands from the cold container, are a step away from elegance.

Not down the wrong path, just providing them with a good foundation for snobbery :-D. And why not?