mint juleps: cocktails and decor

Complete with Southern Belles, wonderful weather and mint juleps, my weekend was the perfect way to kick off Spring.

Inspiring this post, the mint julep is classically served in silver julep cups and made up of only four ingrediants: mint, bourbon, sugar, ice. Known for being the traditional cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, it should only be held by the bottom or top edges of the cup allowing frost to form. Because these cups are just so darling [even without the cocktail inside!], why not use them as vases? Add a Southern flair by exchanging clear vases for these silver or pewter julep cups and fill them with gorgeous spring flowers. Engrave your initials as an extra personal touch. And once the wedding festivities are over, reuse the julep cups for toothbrush holders, candles or a gorgeous additional to your new china cabinet.

{photos: Southern Living, Christian Oth via Inspired by This, My Stylish Wedding, Soiree Planning}

A Traditional Mint Julep

• 2 fluid ounces Kentucky Bourbon
  
• granulated sugar (to taste)
  
• Mint leaves
  
• Crushed ice

Muddle mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a julep cup.
Fill cup with crushed or shaved ice and add bourbon.
Garnish with mint leaves.