The Happiest Hour {Mint Julep}

Two cocktail posts in one week? It must mean that a weekend of celebrations are ahead. I posted my favorite fresh squeeze margarita recipe earlier in the week and now for something to sip on while watching the Derby tomorrow. Served in a traditional silver cup, the mint julep is a must at any Derby party. Fresh muddled mint and simple syrup add freshness to this whisky cocktail making it suitable for warm spring afternoons. Even though the derby only lasts only a short two minutes, mix up a pitcher of juleps and drink them all afternoon! Here's the recipe for a perfect mint julep from New South Food Company.

:: Ingredients ::
3 Sprigs Fresh Mint
1 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 Cup Crushed Ice
4 oz Good Bourbon
1 Mint Sprig for Garnish

:: Directions ::
1. Muddle mint with simple syrup in bottom of cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and bourbon. Shake well.
3. Pour into rocks glass, garnish with mint sprig and serve.

Color Me {Derby Days}

Forget Cinco de Mayo. While it may be one of my favorite holidays, I'm more excited about the day before, the Derby! It provides me with an excuse to put on fancy floral frock and rock large hat adorned with a big bow. Pour me a mint julep (I'll share my recipe later this week!) and sit back as I help you to throw the best derby party yet. First things first, start by decorating with vintage racing ribbons, lots of color, and silver julep cups. If you can't find vintage ribbons, use the DIY I posted last week to make your own. Silver julep cups are not only great for drink but work wonderfully as vases for big buds like white hydrangeas or pink peonies. Create a racing pool and let everybody draw the name of a horse. Keep it interesting by having everybody put in a dollar. Winner takes all. This brings the fun back into it since everybody has to draw a horses name from a hat, no one person has the advantage of research or knowledge. The possibilities for throwing a perfect derby party are endless and I can't wait to hear what your ideas are.

Have a great Monday!

Party DIY {Derby Ribbons}

Let the mint juleps flow and the big hats commence, it's time to throw a derby party folks! It's my second favorite May holiday that's worthy of a celebration as big as Cinco de Mayo. Throw on that floral frock and guys grab your bow ties, we're ready to plan and decorate for this year's Derby bash. I'll share my derby party inspiration next week but wanted to give you a little Derby DIY right now. If you don't live in horse country, it can be a bit hard to find vintage racing ribbons to decorate with. But these homemade ones are just as cute, fun to make, and can even be used for awarding best dress and best hat. Here's the how-to...

:: Supplies ::
Ribbon Flowers (Found in the scrapbook section of your local craft store)
Ivory Round Gift Tags
Vine Sticker (Jolee brand scrapbooking sticker)
Pencil
Fine Tip Sharpie
Hot Glue
Black Grosgrain Ribbon

:: Directions ::
1. Trim vine sticker into 3" pieces, bending in the middle. Stick onto gift tags, centering on the bottom.
2. Using your pencil, trace "1st", "2nd", etc. onto gift tags centering between the vine. Trace over with your fine tip Sharpie. Hot glue to the center of the ribbon flower.
3. Cut strips of grosgrain ribbon into 8" pieces. Trim ends into an upside down "v" shape. Hot glue two strips to the back side of the ribbon flower.

 

Off To The Races

I know the Derby is still a couple of weeks away, but we've got some major planning to do! With the Kentucky Derby falling on Cinco de Mayo, it's going to be one big party day. There is simply no purpose in deciding which soiree to throw because both are fantastic in their own right and equally fun to celebrate. So, in honor of the dual holiday, I will be featuring over the next couple weeks both Derby and Cinco inspiration and tips onto how to transform your party from one to the other. 

Let's begin with the day's first celebration, the Kentucky Derby. The first in a race for the Triple Crown, the Derby sure provides reason to celebrate. Big hats, bright prints and mint juleps will flow abundantly. Be sure to include include racing paraphernalia in your decor. Racing ribbons, vintage hats, horse shoes, and horse figures are a must. Use brightly colored stripped linens for an easy transition. Dress in top hats, bow ties and large brimmed hats adorned with bows and flowers to act as if you are watching the races in person. Serve up mint juleps in silver cups and take (small) bets on who will win. Want to add a little extra fun? Take bets on the Triple Crown and throw a bash for each race. 

Now that you've got your Derby party inspiration squared away...stay tuned next week for tips on throwing the perfect Siesta!