It’s almost Derby day! Yippee! Once the hat and the dress are selected, it’s all about the cocktails, food, and decor. Here are some suggestions!
Cocktails
The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for almost a century. Here is the recipe they serve.
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky
- Silver Julep Cups
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Old Forester Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
You can substitute the Old Forester with other bourbons. For my julep bar, I selected Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses Single Barrel, and Booker’s. In addition, you can substitute the minted simple syrup with other flavors, such as ginger, blueberry, or sweet tea.
Here are some other race-day cocktails you could try as well, via Southern Living and myrecipes.
Food
Here are the favorites among traditional derby fare. Who doesn’t love some delicious southern food?!
Decor
For decor, you can keep it pretty simple with these key ingredients.
- Red roses
- Boxwood topiaries
- Mint Julep cups and mason jars for small arrangements
- Colorful patterned tableware and linens, inspired by jockey silks (uniforms)
Or take it up a notch with… horseshoes, trophies, and ribbons!
[Image via The Polohouse]
[Image via Celebrate Mag]
I hope everyone has a fun and festive Cinco de Mayo and Derby weekend!
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Cheers,
