Is it me or does the Kentucky Derby look like a slightly drunk, trashier version of a royal wedding? With horses? Those hats look stressful. How do I attach it? Should I bother styling my hair? How do I keep it from banging into other hats? Can you even see the horses? These are all very important questions.
Apparently there are some pretty rich traditions surrounding this thing. The worst one is burgoo, and THAT sounds absolutely terrifying. It’s made with raccoon. Or squirrel. Basically anything lying around in your backyard. Sometimes it’s made with mutton. Are you kidding me? Mutton is 100% the world’s second most disgusting food after Cinnabon and you’re not going about this with effort, America.
The best thing about the Kentucky Derby is that it’s all over in two minutes. Which means you can go back to sipping your mint julep and worrying about your hat. The mint julep is a perfectly elegant cocktail and yours truly makes a killer one. Combine 1 oz. of simple syrup with a handful of fresh mint. Like 5-7 leaves. Don’t stress out about it. Lightly muddle. Get yourself a cute, floral glass like the one I have, above, or if you have old money, serve it in a silver cup. It gets frosty on the outside, which is very “of the manor born”. Fill your glass with ice, add 2 oz. bourbon and 2 oz. water. Top with a bit more ice and a sprig of mint. Voila!
Bisous, Madeline
Somehow this is what I picture you wearing, but would that stress you out? http://www.pinterest.com/pin/110549365824293941/
May 2, 2014 at 11:35 amTeresa, I’d rock that.
May 2, 2014 at 11:53 amToo funny. Madeline, you would love the derby!
May 2, 2014 at 1:00 pmMy hat would be tiny. Like the things the Brits wear that are so small you need a magnifying glass.
May 2, 2014 at 2:46 pmI would argue that this is the world’s most disgusting food. http://www.uglyfood.com/2008/03/25/balut-a-boiled-duck-embryo-from-cambodia/
May 2, 2014 at 2:51 pmSheila. Stop it. Cannot un-see.
May 2, 2014 at 3:00 pmThere is also something called Booyah, which sounds WAY more awesome than Burgoo. And it has chicken instead of squirrel.
May 2, 2014 at 4:48 pmSo pretty! Those glasses are adorable.
May 2, 2014 at 4:53 pm