The Mint Julep at Mariscos, 4821 W. Sixth St.

The Mint Julep at Mariscos, 4821 W. Sixth St.

If any cocktail is capable of showing off whiskey’s refreshing side, it’s a mint julep.

Muddled fresh mint, smooth whiskey, crushed ice and a hint of sugar combine to create Mariscos’ frosty, serious-tasting yet easily sippable version. The mint julep — official drink of this weekend’s Kentucky Derby — is on Mariscos’ newly rolled-out signature cocktail menu, which emphasizes classic recipes using fresh ingredients and premium spirits.

The hard stuff: Templeton Rye, a small-batch whiskey distilled in Templeton, Iowa.

Where it’s served:Mariscos, 4821 W. Sixth St., Suite A

What it costs: $12

When it’s on special: Happy Hour — signature cocktails are $2 off from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Other libations at this location: The house-special Westsider (blood orange liqueur, Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin, sparkling wine and peach schnapps), classic cocktails including the Aviation (gin, crème de violette, maraschino liqueur and lemon) and a handful of “Skinnys” — cocktails less than 100 calories. There’s also wine and a rotating selection of craft beers on tap.