Party Inspiration: Kentucky Derby Style

I can’t believe that this time last year I was in Kentucky to attend the Kentucky Derby. Boy was it am amazing experience.

Despite a little rain (ok, it was a down pour) we had a great time and enjoyed seeing the people, the hats and the festivities.

Even though I didn’t spend a lot of money on my hat like many people do, it was special because I made it myself.

This year we’ll be watching the Derby from Atlanta but I still plan to wear my hat and wear a fun and colorful outfit.

For all of you that will be watching from home and want to turn Derby day into a party, I thought I’d share a few key essentials for the perfect Kentucky Derby Party.

MINT JULEP

Every great Derby party must include mint julep. If you’ve never had one before be warned that this a strong drink. Below you’ll find a classic Mint Julep cocktail recipe and a recipe for a non-alcoholic version.

The Early Times Mint Julep Recipe

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

Sprigs of fresh mint

Crushed ice

Early Times Kentucky 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 Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Alcohol-Free Mint Julep

Four to five spearmint leaves

About 1/2 ounce of simple syrup

Crushed ice

Enough cola or strongly brewed iced tea (Your choice) to fill a Collins glass.

An extra mint sprig for garnish

Mixing directions:

First, put the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass, and pour the simple syrup over them. Gently muddle the mint to release its flavorful oil.

Next, add a generous amount of crushed ice to the glass.

Top off the glass with cola or ice tea as you prefer, and give it a gentle stir to mix it all together.

Garnish the drink with a sprig of mint for that signature Mint Julep look.

ROSES IN A TROPHY URN

The Race for the Roses as the derby is often called uses red roses as a signature element. For you party, any color of rose will do especially when placed in a vintage silver trophy urn.

HORSE DECOR

A fun and inexpensive decorative element to create a centerpiece with are toy horses. Leave them their natural color or spray them gold for a more elegant feel.

OVER THE TOP HATS & CHIC FASHION

The dress code for any derby party must include extravagant hats. The bigger and bolder, the better.

And for the men, seersucker is the fashion requirement.

CHOCOLATE BOURBON PECAN PIE

Another derby signature is a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. I’m not a fan of pecan pie but I did have taste of this pie and it is so good. Make you own by following this recipe.

And for the ultimate in Kentucky Derby Party decor, beautiful horses are always a nice touch. If you don’t have the real thing then print our a few images off Pinterest and use them as table décor.