The Best Mint Julep

I hope your weekend was amazing, ours was jam packed!  With both the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo I am sure a lot of you celebrated one, or both, which made for a fun weekend for sure. I really like both events and we managed to squeeze in some celebrating for both, so it was definitely super fun!!  But what isn't to love ... friends, fun with added in eats and sips.

#yesplease

Julep Cup || Bracelets

I will admit one of my favorite things about Derby, since we aren't at Churchill Downs, is the juleps and the food. It is most definitely on my bucket list to attend and I hope we get the opportunity to go, maybe even next year. Lawyer's closet friend loves to race horses and just bought a new one, so fingers crossed maybe she will make it sooner or later.  I know nothing about the horses, how it all works and how to chose a horse, but I promise you I am definitely up for learning.  Doesn't attending the Derby sound so fun??

Table Linens || Plate || Julep Cup

Normally we make our drinks with bourbon, muddled mint, simple syrup and crushed ice.  This year I changed things up just a little and it was quite possibly the best Mint Julep I have had to date.  While reading Town & Country I discovered Old Forrester Mint Julep.  While I was at the wine shop grabbing bourbon I asked the owner what he thought of it and learned it was highly popular.  I snagged two bottles and put back what I was originally going to purchase although I was a little worried it would not be as good as the one we use and love.

Top || Earrings || Sunglasses (similar) || Bracelets || Julep Cup

I was very happy to learn I was very wrong in my worries and Old Forrester Mint Julep makes the yummiest juleps!  It was so simple to use, I stocked the tray with the bourbon, simple syrup and an extra julep cup filled with water and fresh cut mint.  To make sure the cups were frosty and the crushed ice didn't melt I kept the cups of ice in the freezer ready to pull out and serve.  To make the juleps you simply pour the Old Forrester mix into the cup and add a sprig of fresh mint.  I prefer to drink mine from a straw so I added green striped straws.  I can tell you they were highly popular and so easy to make, I almost feel like I cheated! This is most definitely a crowd pleaser!

We paired our juleps with ham biscuits, fresh berries, chicken salad, pimento cheese and the most darling Derby cookies!  Are these cookies not the cutest?  I found Pum's Sweets from my friend Jennifer and I owe her the largest thank you.  The cookies are not only so adorable but so yummy.  I had to keep the hubs and the kids out of them the day I picked them up and ended up hiding them to keep them safe. I will most definitely be ordering from Alicia again.  She matched the cookies to the Pomegranate linens and I think she was spot on.

I hope your Monday is off to a good start.  Mine is filled with a long list of must dos and must gathers for the most adorable store opening this Thursday.  I can't wait to share the new space the adorable girls from Willow Park Boutique are creating, you will love it, and them!

Have the best day!