The Mint Julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, and the recipe calls for little more than bourbon with some sugar, water and mint.

FORBES: This Kentucky Derby Weekend Grab a Bottle of Maker's 46

An even better idea is to skip the sugar, water, and mint altogether and enjoy the spirit straight up in the Scottish style, or maybe opened with a mere drop or two of water, or for the less civilized, on the rocks.

FORBES: This Kentucky Derby Weekend Grab a Bottle of Maker's 46

Add to the mix Thai chilies, for heat (if you can't find Thai chilies, the more ubiquitous red chili sauce found in Asian markets makes a fine substitute), and a moderate amount of sugar, for balance, and you have a zippy vinaigrette that dresses a beautiful salad of shallots, mint, cilantro, scallions and toasted rice.

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