I wasn’t planning on doing another round of Drinks and Links this week, but with the Kentucky Derby this weekend I’ve been seeing recipes for Mint Juleps all over the Internet. I had to see what all the buzz was about. 

This drink is definitely out of my comfort zone. I typically don’t like bourbon / whiskey and I don’t watch the derby. Nonetheless, today I’m making Blackberry Mint Juleps.

You know me – I couldn’t make just a standard mint julep. I decided to give this classic drink a little IBC twist with the addition of fresh blackberries and blackberry whiskey.

All I did was puree some blackberries in the blender and add them to the traditional recipe. I will say the combination is delicious. And, I actually kind of like the whiskey! Who would have thought?

Let’s mix up a few!

Blackberry Mint Julep

Here’s what you’ll need (for one cocktail):

5-6 mint leaves
½ oz. blackberry puree*
2 ½ oz. blackberry whiskey (I used Bird Dog.)
½  oz. simple syrup**
½ oz. water

Let’s get mixing:
In the bottom of your glass, muddle / crush together mint leaves, simple syrup, and blackberry puree.
Fill glass with ice cubes, then pour in bourbon / whiskey and water. Stir.
Garnish with a few blackberries and a sprig of mint, and a super cute stir stick***.
Enjoy responsibly.

*Put a handful of fresh blackberries into a blender. Puree the blackberries until smooth.

**Bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a simmer over medium-high heat until sugar is completely dissolved. I usually let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to create a thicker syrup. Allow syrup to cool completely.

***I just added a piece of washi tape, sticky sides together, and made a v-cut in the end.

Okay, we’ve got our cocktails and the TV is turned to the race. Now let’s get lost in some links.

Cheers to these Awesome People:

If you didn’t already know this, I’m kind of a big country music fan. Right now I’m listening to Hunter Hayes’s new single, “I Want Crazy.”

My blogger BFF, Courtney of Pizzazerie, is launching a new book this summer. It’s called Frostings. I’m pretty sure it’s going to take my love affair with cake to a whole new level.

It may be old news to some, but I’m still obsessed with Bri Emery’s (of Design Love Fest) living room. It was styled by Emily Henderson. Eclectic, gorgeous, and kind of magical.

Have you seen the Dove Real Beauty Sketches video? If not, stop what you are doing and go watch. It’s truly beautiful.

A SnowBall Cake Roll. Are you kidding me? Dying here. Thank you, Sprinkle Bakes.

Enjoyed this article from Holly Becker of Decor8 about blogging, trends, and sharing content. Good stuff! If you are a blogger, it’s a must read.

My Writing, Elsewhere:

Need a few party pleasing dishes for an upcoming get-together? Check these out!

Stop by DesignHappy to read about my favorite HomeGoods find. What’s yours?

I’m talking vases over on Style Spotters this week. Filled with a few fresh flowers, a vase can be a beautiful finishing touch for any space.

You broke down and bought some air plants, right? Okay. Good. Now here are ten ideas for what you can do with them.

Cheers friends! Have an awesome weekend!

Blackberry Mint Julep

By Michael Wurm, Jr. Published: May 3, 2013

• Yield: 1 Cocktail

Author: Michael Wurm, Jr. of Inspired by Charm

Ingredients

• 5-6 mint leaves
• 1/2 ounce blackberry puree*
• 2 1/2 ounce blackberry whiskey
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup**
• 1/2 ounce water

Instructions

1. In the bottom of your glass, muddle / crush together mint leaves, simple syrup, and blackberry puree.
   
2. Fill glass with ice cubes, then pour in bourbon / whiskey and water. Stir.
   
3. Garnish with a few blackberries and a sprig of mint, and a super cute stir stick ***.
   
4. *Put a handful of fresh blackberries into a blender. Puree the blackberries until smooth.
   
5. **Bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a simmer over medium-high heat until sugar is completely dissolved. I usually let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to create a thicker syrup. Allow syrup to cool completely.
   
6. ***I just added a piece of washi tape, sticky sides together, and made a v-cut in the end.
   

• Cuisine: American