Kentucky Derby Party Ideas
food, decorations, cocktails, hats and more
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Kentucky Derby Party Inspiration
What is it about the Kentucky Derby that draws me in? I just love watching this longest running sports event filled with colorful outfits and outrageous hats! There is excitement in the air with long shot hopes from horses with low odds, and my husband and I always pick our favorites and have little bets between us if our horses win.
It’s no secret that this glamourous event is very expensive to attend in person. Experience the excitement and glamour of the Kentucky Derby without leaving the comfort of your own home with some of my derby watching party ideas. Host the ultimate Kentucky Derby watch party. You’ll find delicious food and cocktail ideas, ways to decorate your space with a touch of southern charm, and even how to make your own derby hat. Get your mint juleps ready and your fancy hats on, and get ready to learn how to throw the perfect Kentucky Derby watch party.
Kentucky Derby Hats
First things first, let’s get dressed up for the occasion!
Learn how to make a Kentucky derby hat! I challenged myself to make a cheap fancy hat from items I bought at the dollar tree store, even the hat! I did use a hot glue gun that I already had at home, My cheap hats came out very impressive. Click HERE for the easy instructions and hat ideas.
Kentucky derby party food ideas
Kentucky bourbon balls recipe
These Kentucky bourbon balls are the perfect bite size finger food dessert idea for a derby party. This is a healthier recipe that is dairy-free and vegan and packed with protein.
Find the easy, no-bake recipe for these Kentucky bourbon balls by clicking HERE.
Kentucky derby pie recipe
A delicious trio of chocolate, pecans and bourbon comes together easily for a Kentucky derby dessert idea your party guests will love!
Find the easy recipe for this Kentucky derby pecan pie by clicking HERE.
Mint julep cupcakes recipe
These mint julep cupcakes are reminiscent of the famous drink found at the iconic Kentucky Derby. This easy recipe uses real Kentucky bourbon in the batter and mint jelly in the icing to give these moist, delicious cupcakes that Mint Julep kick!
These would be a fun dessert to serve at your derby party. Find the recipe for these mint julep cupcakes by clicking HERE.
Strawberry mint julep recipe
Strawberry season comes around the same time as the Kentucky derby, so I thought what perfect way to add a flavor twist to a mint julep than to add a burst of sweet strawberry flavor.
I made these strawberry mint juleps with homemade strawberry simple syrup, fresh mint and Kentucky bourbon.
How to make strawberry simple syrup
First, make the homemade strawberry simple syrup with fresh strawberries:
Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water and 1 cup chopped strawberries to a sauce pot. Simmer on med-low for approximately 20-22 minutes, until liquid is dark red and slightly thicker.
Remove from heat and use a fine mesh strainer to strain liquid into a measuring cup or bowl and let cool in fridge for at least 30 minutes. TIP: You can use leftover strawberries for topping yogurt or ice cream!
To make strawberry mint julep:
To a cocktail shaker, add 3-5 fresh mint leaves, equal parts strawberry simple syrup and bourbon (I usually do 2 oz each per drink.) Use a muddler and muddle mint with ingredients for at least 15 seconds, then add ice and place top on shaker. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds and then strain into a serving glass or mint julep cup. Top with crushed ice, fresh sliced strawberries and a fresh mint spring.
I also like to drizzle a tiny bit of strawberry simple syrup right on top of the crushed ice for a pink hue and sweet kick! To find the mint julep cups and muddle stick like I used, click HERE to purchase on Amazon. (Discloser: Inspiration Apron LLC may receive a small affiliate commission for any purchase made.)
Benedictine tea sandwich recipe
I remember the first time I had a cucumber Benedictine tea sandwich, it was at a wedding shower. I fell in love at first bite!
What is a Benedictine tea sandwich? It’s made with by blending cream cheese, mayo, onions and grated cucumbers to make the creamy filling and traditionally served on white bread, although I choose to use a dark Rye and make my recipe dairy free with using a cream cheese alternative. You can’t taste the difference!
Benedictine tea sandwich ingredients
Rye pumpernickel bread slices (about 12)
8 oz plant based cream cheese alternative, softened
4 tbsp mayonnaise (Duke’s is the best!)
1 large cucumber, grated (plus extra for garnish if desired)
1 small shallot onion, peeled and grated
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Yield: 12 small round sandwiches, plus extra for making open-faced small triangle sandwiches. Note: I used a 3-inch round cookie cutter to make round sandwiches, but you can slice in squares and then cut across to make triangles.
How to make Benedictine tea sandwiches
First, add cream cheese alternative and mayo to large bowl and beat together until well blended with an electric beater. Then add all other ingredients and beat with mixer on med-low speed for about 1 minute or until evenly blended.
Next, spread an even amount of filling on half of the bread slices. Top with other half of bread slices and use a 3 inch cookie cutter to cut out round finger sandwiches or just use a sharp knife to make two large squares and then slice each square in half diagonally to make triangles.
Place sandwiches on serving platter or plate, then add a garnish of fresh cucumber slice and party pick.
You can also make some open faced sandwiches.
Find the same party picks I used on Amazon by clicking HERE. (Discloser: Inspiration Apron LLC may earn a small affiliate commission with any purchase you make by clicking link.)
Easy strawberry shortcake cookies (A mock strawberry shortcake dessert using shortbread cookies!)
Three ingredients to make these impressive and delicious strawberry shortcake cookies. With strawberry season the same time as the derby, it makes the perfect dessert finger food to serve for guests. Keep reading to see what simple ingredients you need and how to make them.
Note: My husband LOVED these!!
Strawberry shortcake cookies ingredients
European shortbread cookies (I found these at the dollar store!)
Whipped topping (I used dairy-free So Delicious coco whip)
Macerated strawberries, chopped (find my easy recipe here.)
How to make: Place cookies on serving tray, spoon whipped topping on (or use a baggie to pipe on) then spoon a small amount of macerated strawberries on top. Serve immediately.
What are macerated strawberries? To macerate a fruit means to sweeten and soften by soaking in sugar or a liquid (such as vinegar or liquor.) Fresh strawberries aren’t the sweetest naturally, but by sprinkling them with sugar, covering and refrigerating for a while, it draws out juices to form a sweet syrup.
Decorate with bright spring colors, flower prints are reminiscent of all the derby hats and have some red roses in a jar or small bucket since the theme for Kentucky derby is “Run for the Roses.”
Throw a few horse shoes on table and small horse figurines. Find ones like I used by clicking HERE. (Discloser: Inspiration Apron LLC may receive a small affiliate commission for any purchase made.)
You can also throw a few Kentucky derby hats on the table as decoration.
Amazon has a lot of Kentucky derby party decoration kits available with balloons, table settings, banners and cupcake toppers. Find some on Amazon by clicking HERE. (Discloser: Inspiration Apron LLC may receive a small affiliate commission for any purchase made.)
Saddle up for party fun and enjoy the running of the roses!
Strawberry Mint Julep Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, make the strawberry simple syrup: Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water and 1 cup chopped strawberries to a sauce pot. Simmer on med-low for approximately 20-22 minutes, until liquid is dark red and slightly thicker.
- Remove from heat and use a fine mesh strainer to strain liquid into a measuring cup or bowl and let cool in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- To a cocktail shaker, add 3-5 fresh mint leaves, equal parts strawberry simple syrup and bourbon (I usually do 2 oz each per drink.)
- Use a muddler and muddle mint with ingredients for at least 15 seconds, then add ice and place top on shaker. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds and then strain into a serving glass or mint julep cup. Top with crushed ice, fresh sliced strawberries and a fresh mint spring. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tip: I also like to drizzle a tiny bit of strawberry simple syrup right on top of the crushed ice for a pink hue and sweet kick!
TIP: You can use leftover strawberries for topping yogurt or ice cream!
