With its colorful history steeped in tradition and its signature mint julep cocktail, the Kentucky Derby is one of America's most celebrated events. Whether you're a fan of horse racing or simply love a good party, hosting a Kentucky Derby party can be a fantastic way to welcome the spring season in style. If you're looking to throw the best Kentucky Derby party ever, read on for our tips for creating a memorable and festive event.

 

1. Embrace the Theme

The Kentucky Derby is all about the pageantry, so don't be afraid to go all-out with the decor. Think bright and bold colors, statement hats, jockey silks, and lots of roses. Set the tone with a red carpet or a DIY photo booth where guests can pose with their fancy hats and accessories. Consider also decorating with horseshoes and horse-themed accents, and don't forget to have a TV set up to watch the race!

2. Serve Up Classic Southern Fare

No derby celebration would be complete without plenty of delicious food. Consider serving classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, pimento cheese, and biscuits. Of course, no derby party would be complete without the iconic mint julep cocktail, which is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint. Consider also serving other bourbon-based cocktails like the Kentucky Mule or the Old Fashioned. If you're hosting a daytime event, consider serving up refreshing iced tea as a non-alcoholic option.

Kentucky Mule-

The Kentucky mule is a twist on the Moscow mule cocktail, typically made with bourbon instead of vodka. Here is a classic recipe for a Kentucky mule:

Ingredients:

- 2 oz. bourbon

- 1/2 oz. lime juice

- Ginger beer

- Ice

- Lime wedge for garnish

 

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.

2. Add the bourbon and lime juice to the glass.

3. Top the glass off with ginger beer.

4. Stir gently to combine.

5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

6. Enjoy!

Woodford Reserve's 2023 Limited Edition Secretariat Bottle:

 

Woodford Reserve®, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby® honors “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” with the release of the 2023 commemorative Derby bottle.

This year’s special release celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic moments in sports history – Secretariat winning the 1973 Derby, still the fastest at 1:59 2/5.

The bottle features the artwork of Kentucky native Jaime Corum, known for her stunning horse portraits. Her painting captures Secretariat in the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs, entitled “Secretariat – Still the Greatest”.

Woodford's annual release is a must-have centerpiece for your derby party!

3. Make it Fun

One of the best things about the Kentucky Derby is its sense of fun and lightheartedness. Encourage guests to come dressed in their most flamboyant hats and outfits and consider having a hat contest or a best-dressed contest with fun prizes for the winners. You can even create a DIY 'betting window' where guests can place pretend bets on the race or print out racing forms for guests to fill out before the big race.

 

4. Keep the Party Going All Day

The Kentucky Derby is a marathon, not a sprint, so be sure to pace yourself and enjoy the day as it unfolds. Consider hosting a brunch or early afternoon event so that guests have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. Set up outdoor games like cornhole or horseshoes to keep guests engaged, and be sure to have plenty of seating and shaded areas available for those who need a break from the festivities. Consider also playing upbeat music throughout the day to keep the energy levels high.

5. Think Beyond the Race

While the race is undoubtedly the highlight of the day, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. Consider setting up a DIY bourbon tasting station where guests can sample different varieties of this spirit or set up a craft station where guests can create their own party favors like mini derby hats or jockey silks. You can also set up a bourbon barrel photo backdrop or a horse race board game station.

Overall, hosting a Kentucky Derby party is a fantastic way to celebrate spring and all of the traditions that come with this iconic event. Whether you're a seasoned host or a first-time party planner, these tips should help you create a festive and memorable event that guests will be talking about long after the horses have crossed the finish line. Just remember to embrace the fun, keep the drinks flowing, and above all, have a great time!