The traditionalists will say the only "real" Mint Julep is made with just four ingredients: bourbon, mint leaves, sugar and crushed ice. And that serving it in anything but a silver or pewter cup is a crime against human decency.

If you're one of those traditionalists, you can stop reading right now. These recipes aren't for you. You can go back to telling the guy next to you his Manhattan isn't a true Manhattan because it wasn't made with rye. For the rest of you, here are 5 slightly twisted Juleps. Some add a little something extra to the bourbon for a surprising flavor, most trade bourbon for something unexpected like tequila, vodka, rum, and even old fashioned moonshine. And all are perfect for your Kentucky Derby party this weekend.

Basil Hayden’s Stop and Sip Julep
by Rob Floyd, Los Angeles
2 parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
1/2 part Simple Syrup
3/4 parts Lime Juice
8 Mint Leaves
Fever Tree Ginger Ale
Blueberries for garnish

Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a mixing glass.
Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake.
Strain into a Collins glass with ice and top with ginger ale.
Garnish with blueberries and mint sprig

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Mint Julep
2 oz. Ole Smoky Original Moonshine
1 oz. Simple Syrup
Fresh muddled lime and mint leaves

Stir with ice
Perfect when served in a mason jar.

Don Julio Mint Julep Margarita
1 1/2 ounces Tequila Don Julio Blanco
1 ounce Club Soda
1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 ounce Fresh Pomegranate Juice
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
Mint, Muddled
Fresh mint sprigs for Garnish
Ice

Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, fresh pomegranate juice, simple syrup and muddled mint into a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake well.

Add club soda and gently tumble roll one time.

Pour contents into a highball glass.

Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

American Ice Pick
In a tall glass combine:
1.5 parts American Harvest Organic Spirit
4 parts sweetened iced tea
.5 parts fresh lemon juice.
Add ice to the glass and gently stir. Garnish with lemon and lime slices.

Derby Day Mojito
1 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
1/3 ounce St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1/3 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh Mint
Raspberry Lemon Soda for Top

Combine Zacapa Rum 23, St Germain, lemon juice, and mint into a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake well and strain into a highball glass.

Top with raspberry-lemon soda.