Everything You Need to Throw a Derby Party

Every year Woodford Reserve (the presenting sponsor of the Derby) debuts a special bottle. This year, it features artwork by Kentucky native Jaime Corum, an equine artist. The painting on the bottle is titled “Dreams in Bloom,” and features three thoroughbreds surrounded spring flowers, including the iconic red roses of Derby. Take a sip or save as a collector’s item.

This trio of mixers will be sure to appease any type of cocktail drinker at a Derby party. Mint Julep for those who want to keep it classically Derby, or Old Fashioned or Whiskey sour for those who prefer their bourbon mixed in a different way. Just add the garnish and you’ll be set for the big race.

Make it official with these Mint Julep glasses that celebrate all of the past Derby winners. These limited edition collectibles will serve as the perfect memento of these phenomenal few minutes of horse racing.

A good pimento cheese is a must at any Derby party, and we know you can trust that Blackberry Farms has a good one. With aged cheddar and sweet pimento, this dip is perfect with everything from vegetables to crackers.

Ice cream may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Kentucky Derby, but this craft small batch Lexington, KY ice cream shop will change your mind with flavors like Bourbon Ball and Kentucky Blackberry and Buttermilk. It’s the perfect post-race dessert!

This aged cheddar is infused with Basil Hayden Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey making it an essential part of your Derby day spread. The sweet and creamy cheese pairs perfectly with any Bourbon cocktails or any cracker for that matter.

All you need to throw a Derby party in one box (just add the bourbon and ice!). This kit from Curious Kitchen has two stainless steel Derby cups, mint simple syrup, white linen cocktail napkins, straws and stirrers, homemade bourbon apple butter plus recipes for pimento cheese, Benedictine and a fun Derby playlist.

What’s a Derby celebration without a Derby pie? This pie is the Kentucky dessert that dates back over 40 years. Filled with chocolate chips and walnuts in a flaky crust, you’ll want to eat this one even after the horses are done racing.

It’s clear that bourbon is a big part of a Derby celebration — it even shows up in dessert. These famous balls are made with chocolate, pecans and a touch of bourbon. The perfect sweet treat to pop in your mouth as you watch the race.

If you are up with the horse racing lingo, you’ll know that pinhooking is the term they use when they’re evaluating young horses for their potential to one day compete. Pinhook honors these young horses by putting a promising one on each of their bottles of Kentucky Bourbon or Rye. The perfect gift to send a friend you want to celebrate with in spirit.

Fried chicken and biscuits are often the perfect menu addition, especially when it comes to the Derby. Few things are better than soft, buttery biscuits and crispy fried chicken. This version hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

You’ll want a few sprigs of mint for the signature Derby Mint Julep, but there’s something nice about having a mint plant that will give you a chance to use the herb all year round. Muddle it for mojitos, throw it into lemonade, make pesto... after you’ve had your fill of Mint Juleps, of course.