Kentucky Derby Party Guide: Bourbon, Recipes and Gifts

The first Saturday in May is a holiday in all but name across Kentucky. From Berea, Churchill Downs is about two hours away, but many locals host their own Derby parties instead. Here is how to throw a great one.

The drinks

A Mint Julep needs good bourbon, fresh mint and crushed ice. Serve it in proper Kentucky bourbon glasses, or set up a tasting with a whiskey decanter set. Whiskey stones are handy for neat pours.

The food

Classic Derby menus include Benedictine sandwiches, hot browns, burgoo and Derby pie. A Kentucky recipes cookbook and a cast iron skillet cover almost everything.

The look

Fancy hats are a must. Add Kentucky wall art and a Kentucky gift basket as a door prize.

Make a weekend of it

Pair your Derby trip with a stay in Berea, dinner at Boone Tavern and a morning hike at the Pinnacles.

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