In our unique Kentucky story, Herald-Leader journalists bring you the stories of what makes our Commonwealth great: quirky and cool, historic and infamous, beloved and unforgettable, and everything in between. read more. Story ideas? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.
The Kentucky Derby is coming up on the first Saturday in May. If you’re not going to Churchill Downs in Louisville, it’s time to start planning your party.
What do you need to plan a fun Derby viewing party? It’s surprisingly easy. Of course, the sport’s most exciting race needs a way to watch the two-minute race. NBC will televise the May 4th race, as well as broadcast several hours in the U.S. and stream it on NBC and Peacock from noon to 2:20 p.m., and from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Peacock. do.
Sign up for the LexGo Eat & Drink newsletter
Get the latest in food, dining, and bourbon delivered to your inbox for free. Find out what’s happening in the world of bourbon on Tuesdays, including bourbon buying and tasting tips. Tune in Thursday for the biggest restaurant news in central Kentucky. Sign up here.
Even when you’re not on the track, don’t forget to put on your hat and have some fun. Get creative and make your own at home using paper, flowers, and a glue gun. (I like to get a bunch of inexpensive headbands to make them look “fascinating.”) Remember, they go big and colorful with their tracks.
Even those who don’t bet online can enjoy a taste by drawing a Derby horse’s name out of a hat to cheer them on. (And if he wants to put every dollar in the prize pot to win, I won’t say.)
This guide includes more food party tips and top essentials to enjoy authentic Run for the Roses flavors at home. Add Critchfield’s Market Country Ham Biscuits and you have an authentic Kentucky Derby spread.
Kentucky Derby Cocktail: Mint Julep Recipe
The secret to a great mint julep is the ice. That’s true. It tastes best when eaten chilled.
Don’t worry about the ready-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 includes the following recipe.
But the truth is: Mint his julep at the truck isn’t that great. It’s about his experience at Churchill Downs. So skip the Julep and try a different (and in my opinion much tastier) Derby cocktail, the Woodford Spire. Also available at Churchill, it is made with Derby sponsor Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
Beyond the Mint Julep: Kentucky Derby Cocktail Recipes to Liven Up Your Party
Another party drink option is a bourbon slushie. It’s especially refreshing on a hot Derby day. However, please note that it takes time to freeze, so you will need to make it in advance.
Pecan pie with chocolate chips to celebrate the Derby
You probably know what I’m talking about. It is also sometimes called Mayday Pie because of its association with the Derby. Kearns Kitchen makes the original Derby His pie, which is a corn syrup and pecan pie with chocolate His chips and sometimes bourbon.
There are many variations on this theme, including versions that omit the bourbon altogether if that doesn’t suit your taste.
Lexington cookbook author Barbara Harper Buck knows how to make award-winning pies and has a unique perspective. She calls her pie racetrack pie and garnishes it with bourbon whipped cream when she serves it. She also likes to put horse-themed cutouts on top to create a festive feel while baking pies.
benedict spread recipe
Other Kentucky specialties added to the feast as appetizers include the Benedict sandwich, a type of cucumber spread created by Louisville caterer Jenny Benedict more than 100 years ago.
Cookbook author Ronnie Lundy has a version in Shuck Beans, Stack Cakes and Honest Fried Chicken. Serve on crustless white bread, with crackers, or as a vegetable dip.
