Fantastic Hats and Mint Julep Recipe!

I love hats and there are so few opportunities to really wear a hat in the United States that the lucky ladies who wear them to the Kentucky Derby must know how lucky they are. 

I'm not talking nubby knits here. I'm talking about larger, colorful, millinery hats. The sort I'd like to wear to the derby someday. The sort that english ladies wear to weddings. And by the way, I wouldn't mind going to one of those either.

Here are some of the fantastic displays from the 2009 Derby:

Love this flower girl look. 

Her friend on the other line is like "I'm over here! I'm wearing a big hat!"

I don't know what to say. Was the photographer trying to be funny?

 Truly lovely I dare say. She is my hat hero.

So pretty and lady like. 

If her horse just lost, at least she has a pretty hat. 

I feel sorry for big bird. Nevertheless, I think she looks fantastic!

Brooke looking fabulous as usual. 

My goodness I do just love hats and I find even the loudest ones wonderful because you should never wear a hat that has more character than you do...and these ladies are characters!

On that note, why not go and whip up a mint julep for you and your hatty friends!? Since I am  a northern girl who only wishes she were southern I had to turn to a fellow northerner for this recipe. If you have a better (more authentic one) please to share! I know some of you southern ladies are reading this!

 

Martha's Mint Julep (because Martha Stewart is my default. Secret's out.)

1 Teaspoon Sugar 

1 Teaspoon Water

8 Fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish

1 cup crushed ice

2 2/3 ounces (1/3cup) bourbon

Stir together sugar and water in a mint julep cup (or 8 oz glass) until sugar dissolves. Add mint and muddle gently using a muddler or a wooden spoon. Fill with crushed iced and add bourbon. Stir until outside of cup is frosted. Garnish with mint sprigs. 

Mark my post. Next year I am having a Derby party and serving Juleps! If you are having one please post about it!