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So the Queen of England is coming to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

Chances are, neither you nor I will be joining her at Churchill Downs for the Run for the Roses. But we can celebrate a Derby Day tradition here in the Hudson Valley -- the mint julep. In the April-May issue of Hudson Valley Connoisseur (on sale now at local Barnes & Noble stores), chef Jessica Bard shares her step-by-step instructions for mixing up a classic mint julep as well as her grandmother's recipe for a related alcohol-free beverage. Both drinks look tasty.

And to make it even more local, you can spike your julep with Hudson Baby Bourbon from Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner.

Cheers!