Jump For Juleps

The mint julep has long been associated with the Kentucky Derby, so it's no surprise that Marylanders have been known to tipple a few during Preakness (May 17 this year), the second jewel in the horse-racing crown. But the cocktail seems to have fallen out of favor with the mojito-'tini crowd. Enter good ol' Southern boy Joshau Hill, chef and general manager of Night of the Cookers (885 N. Howard St., 410-383-2095), who is doing his best to introduce a new generation to the genteel drink he makes with Maker's Mark bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint. It's a signature drink ($10) at his handsome bar/restaurant. "We want to make the old seem familiar again," says Hill, a Derby fan and mint julep sipper. "When we did the drink menu, we really tried to find the old classics."