As the horses get ready to run in this year's Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, metro Phoenix fans can saddle up to the bar.

On Derby day, there's only one appropriate drink to order. Just like massive, colorful hats, mint julep's are ubiquitous with the races. 

You might be wondering where the bourbon and mint tipple was created and how it became associated with the Kentucky Derby. 

What follows is a brief history of the famed drink and, most importantly, a guide to where can you can order one in its signature frosty silver cup in the Valley.

Mint juleps consist of crushed ice, bourbon, sugar and fresh mint leaves. But a julep doesn't have to be minty. The julep is simply a category of refreshing cocktails that are made with crushed ice.

Mint juleps first became popular on the East Coast in the 1800s. Some say it started as a medicinal drink, used to settle the stomach, and was said to have been imbibed by horse racers or people working on horse farms in the morning, to ease the aches and pains of the previous day. 

It was also usually a drink reserved for the upper classes, as in those days, ice was harder to come by. 

The connection to the Kentucky Derby can be seen in the signature silver cups, which mimic the ones given to first-place jockeys. And it doesn't hurt that the cocktail makes use of bourbon, Kentucky's most famous spirit.

In 1939, the mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Organizers began selling souvenir cups and, over the years, the drink became synonymous with the event. 

Now, according to the Kentucky Derby's official numbers, 120,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day Oaks and Derby weekend. That many cocktails require 1,000 pounds of fresh mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.

Not everyone can head to Churchill Downs for the races, but, around the Valley, many bars and restaurants serve the classic drink year-round. Some even throw Derby watch parties and make specialty cocktail variations.

So grab your biggest hat and head to one of these metro Phoenix watering holes.

Each year, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hosts a party to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in high style. The Kentucky Derby Lawn Party at Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak takes place on Saturday, May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. and includes indoor and outdoor activities, a DJ, lawn games, raffle drawings and, of course, mint juleps. Tickets ($169 per person) include cocktails and food such as shrimp and grits, Kentucky hot brown and Derby pie.

Details: 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-2694, scottsdaleprincess.com.

At North Scottsdale restaurant Chauncey Social, the fun begins at 11 a.m. on Derby day. The restaurant's celebration is set to include a best hat contest, prizes and drink specials. Two versions of the mint julep will be on the menu, including the classic made with Maker's Mark and a fruity variation made with strawberries. 

Details: 17767 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale. 480-565-6488, chaunceysocial.com.

Mint juleps and Derby mules are on the menu at the Harold's Cave Creek Corral Kentucky Derby party. This far northeast Valley spot will trade its western vibes for a taste of the south on May 7, with a party featuring best hat and most dapper outfit competitions along with a fundraiser for Triple R Horse Rescue. Tables reservations can be made by phone.

Details: 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com.

Hidden House, a Chandler gem located in a home built in 1939, serves a classic version of the cocktail year round. According to the menu, "We make ours the same way they would, to be enjoyed at the derby, with Old Forester. $11." 

Details: 159 West Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. 480-275-5525, hiddenhouseaz.com.

At The Macintosh, a classic American restaurant in the Town & Country shopping center off Camelback Road, customers can find a twist on a traditional julep. The Bourbon Smash, which is a type of julep with less strict rules, includes Buffalo Trace bourbon, muddled mint, lime and blackberries ($14).

Details: 2119 E Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-368-8766, www.themacintoshaz.com.

Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, RnR Gastropub is gearing up for its Kentucky Derby party starting at 9 a.m. on May 7. The party will include a DJ, brunch, prizes, a best hat competition and of course, mint juleps. The pub plans to put a spin on the classic and serve juleps made with honey instead of sugar. 

Details: 3737 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-945-3353 rnrscottsdale.com.

Reach the reporter at tirion.morris@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @tirionmorris, on Facebook at Tirion Rose and on Instagram at tirionrose. 

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