Kentucky Derby party tips, best recipes: Mint julep cocktails, pie and more
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The Kentucky Derby is coming up on the first Saturday in May, and that means it’s party planning time if you aren’t heading to Churchill Downs in Louisville.
What does it take to put together a fun Derby watching party? It’s surprisingly easy. You’ll need a way to watch the race, of course, often called the most exciting two minutes in sports. NBC will have the May 4 race on TV, as well as hours of coverage on USA and streaming on Peacock noon to 2:20 p.m., 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.
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And be sure to have fun with hats even though you are not at the track. Get creative, make your own at home from paper, flowers and a glue gun. (I like to get a bunch of inexpensive headbands to make “fascinators” on.) Remember, they go big and colorful at the track.
For those who don’t bet online, you can still get the flavor by drawing Derby horse names out of a hat to root for. (And if you want to put a dollar each in a prize pot to win, I won’t tell.)
This guide has more food party tips and the best necessities that will give you an authentic Run for the Roses flavor at home. Add biscuits with country ham from Critchfield’s Market and you’ll have true Kentucky Derby spread.
Kentucky Derby cocktails: Mint julep recipe
Here’s the secret to a great mint julep: Ice. It’s true. They taste best cold.
Don’t bother with the pre-made mint julep drinks you can buy at the liquor store. Because a julep is basically fresh spearmint, simple syrup, ice and bourbon.
“The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book” by Joy Perrine and Susan Reigler has this recipe:
But here’s the truth: Mint juleps at the track are not that great. It’s about the experience of having one at Churchill Downs. So feel free to skip the julep and try another (and much tastier in my opinion) Derby cocktail: The Woodford Spire. It’s also served at Churchill and made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, which sponsors the Derby.
Beyond mint julep: Kentucky Derby cocktail recipes to spice up your party
Another drink option for a party is bourbon slush, especially refreshing if its a hot Derby Day. But warning, you need to make it in advance becuase it does need time to freeze.
A certain pecan pie with chocolate chips to celebrate the Derby
You probably know the one I’m talking about. It’s sometimes referred to as May Day Pie because its association with the Derby. Kern’s Kitchen makes the original Derby Pie, a kind of corn syrup and pecan pie with chocolate chips and, sometimes, bourbon.
There are lots of variations on the theme, including versions that leave out bourbon entirely if that isn’t to your taste.
Lexington cookbook author Barbara Harper Bach, who knows her way around award-winning pies, has a unique take: She calls hers Racetrack Pie and dresses it up with bourbon whipped cream when serving. She also likes to put horse-themed cutouts on top while the pie bakes to give it a festive look.
Benedictine spread recipe
Other Kentucky specialties that you can add to the feast as a possible appetizer include Benedictine sandwiches, a kind of cucumber spread created by Louisville caterer Jennie Benedict more than 100 years ago.
Cookbook author Ronni Lundy included a version in her “Shuck Beans, Stack Cakes and Honest Fried Chicken.” Serve on crustless white bread, with crackers or with veggies for dipping.
