Get ready for your Derby party with this collection of cocktails, mocktails, appetizers, and desserts inspired by Kentucky classics and southern comfort food.
I love a good Derby party! This year, my horse’s half brother (So Happy) is running in the Derby, so I will definitely be tuning in. He’s proven to be much more into racing than my horse (Feliciano, aka Felix). Felix retired from racing after 4 races due to a case of the slows. You can read more about Felix and my other two retired racehorses on my About Me page.
This post is split into three sections:
- Cocktails and mocktails featuring bourbon-forward cocktails (including the classic mint julep), nonalcoholic punch, and sweet tea.
- Appetizers and snacks with deviled eggs, finger sandwiches, dips, and other snacks.
- Desserts with Kentucky flavors like bourbon and chocolate.
If you're looking for more ideas after reading this post, I highly recommend the Entertaining With Bluegrass Winners Cookbook. I bought a copy of that book last time I was in Kentucky for a horse show. It has so many good recipes in it that are perfect for parties! The book also includes information about the farms the recipes are from.
Cocktails and Mocktails
Get your julep cups ready! This section features classic mint julep, mint julep variations, bourbon cocktails along with nonalcoholic derby punch and sweet tea.
Mint Julep
Love bourbon? Learn how to make a mint julep from scratch! This recipe for the classic Kentucky cocktail is perfect for Derby day!
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Champagne Tastes
Berry Mint Julep
This refreshing berry mint julep is easy to make, perfect for spring, and includes tips for batching and mocktail options.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: State of Dinner
Peach Mint Julep
Put a fruity twist on a derby day favorite with this peach mint julep cocktail! Instead of the usual bourbon whiskey, this adds Crown Royal Peach Whiskey as the base liquor.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Dinner Done Quick
Bourbon Smash
If you’re craving a fresh twist on a Mojito, this Bourbon Smash is a must-try. It delivers the same bright citrusy flavor but with the smooth, rich depth of bourbon instead of white rum.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: The Chaotic Table
Pear Bourbon Smash
This Pear Bourbon Smash features fresh thyme, honey, bourbon, lemon, and pear.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: The Wholesome Spoon
Red Mare Cocktail
A horse-themed cocktail with bourbon, ginger beer, apple cider, cranberry juice and cinnamon garnished with a candied cranberry and crystallized ginger. It's perfect for fall or parties for Triple Crown season!
Go to Recipe
Nonalcoholic Mint Julep Punch
This nonalcoholic mint julep punch is full of fresh orange juice, pureed mango, vanilla extract, homemade mint simple syrup, and sparkling water. It’s perfect for sipping on Derby day!
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Plum Branch Home
Sweet Tea
How to make the perfect glass of iced tea that’s crystal clear, and strong enough to withstand a glassful of ice and still retain its flavor.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: What a Girl Eats
Appetizers & Snacks
This section features appetizers and party snacks, including deviled eggs, bacon wrapped dates, finger sandwiches, and appetizers inspired by the Kentucky hot brown sandwich.
Pimento Cheese Puff Pastry Twists
These pimento cheese puff pastry twists are generously spread with pimento cheese, rolled into spirals, and baked to golden perfection.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Her Mise En Place
Classic Deviled Eggs
This classic deviled egg recipe features creamy, tangy filling with mustard, vinegar, and smoked paprika. Guests can't get enough of these at parties and potlucks!
Go to Recipe
Smoked Deviled Eggs
These Smoked Deviled Eggs are a show stopping twist on an old classic!
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: The Cookin' Chicks
Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs
All the bold, tangy flavors of a Bloody Mary, but in deviled egg form! Creamy, zesty, and topped with Tajín, this easy appetizer is seriously so good.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Hungry Whisk
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese (Devils on Horseback)
These bacon-wrapped dates with blue cheese are a salty-sweet, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Foodess
Kentucky Hot Brown Appetizer
The Hot Brown, widely known as the Kentucky Hot Brown is a classic southern recipe that is often featured around the time of the Derby. This appetizer is perfect for Derby Day!
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Mom Foodie
Granny's Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Fresh cucumbers, parsley, and paprika come together with sour cream and vinegar for a light, flavorful sandwich filling. This recipe is perfect for parties or your lunch box.
Go to Recipe
Pimento Cheese Finger Sandwiches
These classic tea sandwiches are perfect for parties and easy entertaining. This simple recipe includes ideas for cutting tea sandwiches, tips for serving, and plenty of variations to make it your own.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Gift of Hospitality
Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches
Chicken salad finger sandwiches are two-bite-sized savory sandwiches that are as easy to make as they are elegant, so don't wait for afternoon tea to make them! Make them with your favorite store-bought chicken salad, or use the curried chicken salad included with the recipe.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: An Edible Mosaic
Roasted Red Potato Salad
Roasted red potato salad features bacon and a dijon and dill dressing. This is a perfect recipe for a potluck or picnic!
Go to Recipe
Pimento Cheese
Ready in 10 minutes, this creamy and tangy pimento cheese recipe gets a zippy kick from prepared horseradish and smokiness from a touch of smoked paprika.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Jawns I Cooked
Pecan & Parsley Cheese Ball
This cheese ball is creamy, zesty goodness that's sure to be a hit at your next party, or just make it for everyday snacking!
Go to Recipe
Desserts
Bourbon, walnuts, pecans, and chocolate are the stars in this section featuring scones, mini pecan pies, chocolate walnut pie, and other desserts inspired by these Kentucky flavors.
Sourdough Derby Day Scones (Chocolate Chip Walnut)
Sourdough derby day scones are full of chocolate chips and walnuts, perfect for Kentucky’s iconic horse race!
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Plum Branch Home
Chocolate Walnut Pie (Derby Pie Copycat)
This Bourbon Chocolate Walnut Pie puts a decadent spin on the classic Derby pie with its rich, nutty filling studded with semisweet chocolate.
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: State of Dinner
Mini Pecan Pies
Mini pecan pies have all the flavor of a traditional pecan pie in a mini dessert!
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Mom Foodie
Derby Pie Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are packed with dark chocolate chips, crunchy walnuts, and bourbon for a delicious twist on the classic Derby Pie. This is the perfect dessert for your Kentucky Derby party!
Go to Recipe
Chocolate Covered Pecans with Flaky Sea Salt
Crunchy, chocolaty, and sprinkled with flaky sea salt, these homemade pecans are the perfect Derby Day snack!
Go to Recipe
Recipe from: Hungry Whisk
