Throw the perfect Kentucky Derby party - with minimal prep

Making the perfect mint julep can be time-consuming.

There's rinsing and drying the mint leaves, mixing and heating the simple syrup, chilling the sterling silver julep cup — an endless amount of chores that will make anyone yell "give me my drink already!"

But — there is an easier way.

Brown-Forman's "How-To-Hostess," Brittany Gilbert, has the winning ticket for a festive get-together that's easy on the host and heavy on enjoyment, including tips for a "10-second Mint Julep."

"Derby week entertaining is all about celebrating Southern hospitality, friends, family, horse racing and, of course, the mint julep," Gilbert said. "You can do all this easily and with a Derby flair and still enjoy your own party."

►Bourbon for breakfast: The mint julep’s origins

►Kentucky Derby 2017 basics: TV and race info, tickets & more

Decorate your table

Empty bourbon bottles can be decorated to make perfect centerpieces by adding a bowtie at the neck of the bottle and the traditional red rose.

Raid your husband's closet for the bow tie or pick up a paper decoration at a local craft store. Even easier, tie a bow with a red ribbon around the bottle.

Cocktails made simple

Instead of a customary bar, create a julep bar which allows hosts to enjoy their party as much as the guests, who will act as their own mixologists.

A few simple, local ingredients can turn a heavy mint julep into a light summertime cocktail. All you need for your julep bar are a few fresh fruit and herb options, various fruit juices and a little creativity.

► HOW-TO: Create a julep bar for your next party

"I may put out blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, basil, rosemary and mint along with simple instructions and let my guests create their own drinks," Gilbert said.

Also, festive straws and mason jars (with lids to shake up the drink) breathe new life into the traditional mint julep. The fruit, herbs and juice make a lighter drink that can also be mixed without alcohol, she said.

Gilbert purchases many of the herbs and fruit from local farms at farmers markets so they are fresh and flavorful. She likes to buy local and recommends many of the products offered by Bourbon Barrel Foods.

She buys whimsical straws from online retailer Etsy and said Target is another one of her favorite sources for reasonably priced bright-colored straws, napkins and party accessories.

Gilbert recommends writing a simple "how-to" for your guests and leaving it next to the ingredients for Derby cocktails.

►6 mint (and other) julep recipes for the Kentucky Derby

Make ahead nibbles

This is the week to celebrate Kentucky foods, such as country ham, fresh local fruits and vegetables, and benedictine spread (made with cucumbers and cream cheese), which can be served as a dip or in cucumber sandwiches.

For easy to make nibbles you can make ahead, Gilbert places slices of country ham on toast points and tops with a tablespoon of fig paste or jam.

"For me, it's not about making things complicated. You don't need extravagant food, certain glassware or a muddler or even the simple syrup used in traditional mint juleps," Gilbert said. "Use your creativity, think outside of the box, and above all, simplify the process and enjoy."

Contact Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com

►An easy Louisville original: Benedictine

►  How the Lily came to be the Oaks Day cocktail

►  Stick with tradition: Recipes for your Derby party

The 10-second Mint Julep

• 3 ounces Old Forester Mint Julep
• 3 ounces crushed Ice
• 1 part mint sprig

Simply pour Old Forester Mint Julep over crushed ice and add a mint sprig.

Fun fact: this is the same mint julep served at Churchill Downs 

Woodford Thoroughbred

• 1 1/2 ounces Woodford Reserve
• Ginger beer (or ginger ale)
• Garnish with a lemon wedge