There are almost as many ways to prepare a mint julep as there are Kentuckians, but this is the recipe that our friends' use and it makes a tasty, refreshing mint julep!

Here are the ingredients:

1 tablespoon mint-flavored simple syrup (recipe follows)

2 ounces Kentucky whiskey

Sprigs of mint

First prepare the mint flavored syrup, which should be made a day or 2 before your party.

Here's how to do that:

To make simple syrup: Bring 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water to a boil. Boil 5 minutes, without stirring. Cool to room temperature. Then fill a jar loosely with sprigs of fresh mint, crushed slightly, and cover with the cooled syrup.

Cover jar and refrigerate 12 to 24 hours. Discard mint. Refrigerate until ready to use. Makes 2 1/2 to 3 cups.

To make drink:

Fill chilled julep cup with finely crushed ice. Pour in the mint-flavored syrup and the whiskey. Frost cup, stick in a sprig of mint and serve at once.