Saddle up and party!
Whether you’re a fan of horse racing or not, the Kentucky Derby is a great excuse to throw a party. There are so many fun and festive things you can do to make your Derby party memorable. From juleps and mints to decorations and games, we’ve got all of the Kentucky Derby party ideas you need to know right here! So get ready to saddle up for some serious party planning fun. Let’s go racing!
Kentucky Derby Party Decorations
ROSES – The horses of the Triple Crown are known to be some of America’s most thrilling thoroughbred racers. As such, it’s no wonder that these contests have become known as “the race for roses.” A traditional part of any Kentucky Derby party is having beautiful flowers centered around an arrangement or vase with fresh-cut stems placed prominently on display inside your home. Find beautiful blooms at your local florist for an unforgettable decoration or centerpiece that will set off any table beautifully!
BALLOON ARCH AND HEDGE – You’ll want to set up an arch with the colors of your Kentucky Derby party for guests and family members alike can take pictures underneath. This would make a great spot to place some TVs, too!
Kentucky Derby Party Favors
HAND FANS – We know how hot and humid it can get during the race, so we’ve got you covered with these fantastic hand fans. They’re perfect for cooling down inside or out!
REUSABLE CUPS – The cups are perfect for your next party. They can be customized to match the theme of any event, so you’ll have no problem finding one that’s just right!
Kentucky Derby Party Food and Drink Ideas
COUNTRY HAM BISCUITS – The perfect appetizer for any Kentucky Derby party is a batch of delicious biscuits with ham. You can make these in just minutes, and they’re sure to please everyone! If you want it easy, serve them up on your own personalized platter or find some other creative way that will be memorable, like putting out tiny jars filled halfway full of honey or dijon mustard so guests may choose their preferred flavor before digging into this tasty treat.
MINT JULEP – The Mint Julep is a traditional Burbon drink that has been around for centuries. It is typically served in a rocks glass. There’s only a few ingredients needed to make this cocktail perfect, mint, water, simple syrup crushed ice and Yolo Rum Gold.
History of The Mint Julep
The Mint Julep got its first mention in print in 1803. It was described as a “dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning.” The cocktail was associated with drinking during breakfast hours to get through the morning routine.
The Mint Julep is a drink that was created to preserve the taste of Kentucky’s hardwood forests. The first juleps were made with cognac or peach brandy, but after France’s phylloxera epidemic in the mid-1800s, which infected their grapevines and temporarily hindered production of wine/brandy there became an increased demand for whiskey instead; this led many Americans to turn towards bourbon as well because it had been taxed less heavily than other spirits such like rum
Yolo Rum Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 8 Mint Leaves
- 1/4 oz Simple Syrup or 2 sugar cubes
- 2 oz Yolo Rum Gold
- Crushed Ice
Instructions:
In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup or sugar cubes. Add the Yolo Rum Gold, then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.