Kentucky Derby Party Food & Drink Must-Haves
By Mary Lytle Originally published September 2020, updated April 2021
The actual Kentucky Derby may only last a couple of minutes, but the Derby watch party can carry on for hours. It may seem like we just celebrated the Kentucky Derby, but this year the race has returned to its traditional date - the first Saturday in May. As we get back to some normalcy and small gatherings, it’s important to remember that keeping your guests entertained is a must. You don’t want them galloping out of the festivities before the garland of roses is placed over the winning horse. To ensure your soiree is successful, we’ve outlined three Derby Day basics to follow when planning your party:
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Don a derby hat. The bigger, the better. You can also step out in style with a fascinator or boater hat.
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Dig up some red roses. The red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby in 1904, so it’s only appropriate to have it featured at your Derby party. Afterall, the event’s nickname is the “Run for the Roses.”
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Serve something Southern. Specifically, have something from Kentucky. What do we mean? Bourbon of course! Tackle the traditional mint julep or add your own twist. You can even serve up a bourbon-infused feast. We’ve taken the liberty of preplanning some menu items.
Bring on the Bourbon
Just because you aren’t gathering at the grandstand of Churchill Downs, doesn’t mean you can’t drink like you are. Naturally, with the race being held in Kentucky, you will want to serve what Kentucky is known for best - bourbon. We regularly get asked, “What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?” Well to put it simply, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is “America’s native spirit” because it MUST be made in the United States of America. Bourbon can be made in any of the 50 states, not just Kentucky. However, 95 percent of all bourbon is made in Kentucky. To be considered bourbon, the product must also be distilled at no more than 160 proof and stored in brand-new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof. It must be bottled at no less than 80 proof. The mash must contain at least 41 percent corn and the final product cannot contain any added flavoring, coloring or additives. Want a straight bourbon? That will need to be aged for a minimum of two years.
You could serve it straight, or you can follow the tradition of serving mint juleps. For nearly a century, this classic cocktail has been sipped to celebrate Derby weekend at the Churchill Downs. In fact, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are recorded to be consumed at the track during the races. That’s around 1,000 pounds of mint and 60,000 pounds of crushed ice!
How to Make a Mint Julep
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8-10 freshly picked mint leaves
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2 bar spoons of superfine sugar
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2 ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon
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Pellet (crushed) ice
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2 mint sprigs for garnish
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Powdered sugar
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. In the same glass, add sugar, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir and garnish with more ice, fresh mint, and powdered sugar.
A Twist on Tradition
Want to add flavor and flare to your Juleps? These cocktails are anything but conventional. By swapping one or two ingredients, you can pander to your taste preferences while still sticking to the theme.
Champagne Mint Julep
Recipe:
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6 mint leaves
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2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
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2 ounces Champagne
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½ ounce elderflower liqueur
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Mint sprig
Directions:
Gently muddle mint leaves in a julep cup to express the oils. Add crushed ice and liquid ingredients. Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon twist.
Watermelon Basil Julep
Recipe:
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6 mint leaves
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4 basil leaves
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3 – 5 cubes of watermelon
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2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
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1 ounce lime juice
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Course sea salt
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Mint sprig
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Watermelon slice
Directions:
Muddle mint and basil leaves with watermelon cubes in a julep cup. Stir in Maker’s Mark and lime juice. Add crushed ice and sprinkle sea salt on top. Garnish with a mint sprig and watermelon slice.
Ginger Julep
Recipe:
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2 ounces Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey
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¾ ounce honey simple syrup
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4 dashes aromatic bitters
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5 mint leaves
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Mint sprig
Directions:
Muddle mint and honey syrup in stirring glass. Add ice, whiskey and lemon juice and stir well. Strain over fresh crushed ice. Top with bitters and garnish with mint sprig.
To make the honey simple syrup: Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until honey dissolves. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature.
Strawberry Julep
Recipe:
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3 strawberries
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6 mint leaves
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2 ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
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½ ounce simple syrup
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½ ounce fresh lemon juice
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Mint sprig
Directions:
Muddle two strawberries and mint leaves in a julep cup, then add ice. Add all liquid ingredients to a shaker cup. Shake well and strain contents into cup. Garnish with a mint sprig and strawberry.
Other Derby-Worthy Cocktails
An iconic race deserves iconic cocktails, but that doesn’t always have to mean minty bourbon options. There are other triple-crown cocktails that are Derby-worthy. If bourbon isn’t your favorite flavor, then you will want to try the Finlandia oaks lily, spiked with the official vodka of the Derby. If you’re craving something sparkling, the Kentucky bubbly is your best bet. If you are looking to start with a julep but switch to a complementing cocktail for your second round, then give the spire or Kentucky mule a go.
Finlandia Oaks Lily
Recipe:
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1 ¼ ounces Finlandia Vodka
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3 ounces cranberry juice
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1 ounce sweet and sour mix
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½ ounce triple sec
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Blackberry
Directions:
Combine ingredients over ice and garnish with a blackberry and lemon wedge.
Kentucky Bubbly
Recipe:
Directions:
Add Maker’s Mark to a champagne flute. Top with chilled sparkling apple cider and garnish with a cherry.
Woodford Spire
Recipe:
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1 ½ ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon
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2 ounces lemonade
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1 ounce cranberry juice
Directions:
Combine the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice in a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir the mixture; garnish with the lemon twist and serve.
Kentucky Mule
Recipe:
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2 ounces bourbon
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½ ounce fresh lime juice
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2 ounces ginger beer
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Mint sprigs
Directions:
Add bourbon and lime juice to a copper mug. Fill with ice and top with ginger beer. Add mint sprigs or a lime wedge for garnish.
Grandstand Grub
Bourbon is such a versatile spirit, that it is just as delicious when added to food. Give one of these easy bourbon-infused recipes a try for guaranteed happy (and full) guests.
Looking to learn more about the Derby? Check out our exclusive interview with Elizabeth McCall, Assistant Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby here.
