Odds of you making it to Churchill Downs this year: a million to one. But you can win big with a sure bet — the ridiculously simple Derby cocktail by Jardinière’s Thad Vogler.

Ingredients:
1½ oz. Wild Turkey rye
¾ oz. Cointreau
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
6-10 large fresh mint leaves

1. Combine ingredients in a shaker and stir gently.

2. Top with ice and shake gently for about fifteen seconds. Try not to shred the mint.

3. Strain into a martini glass with a very fine strainer to keep the mint particles out. (A tea strainer works if you don’t have bar gear.)

Down the hatch. And you’re off …

Avoiding your bookie? Try it at Jardinière, 300 Grove Street, at Franklin Street (415-861-5555 or jardiniere.com).