I may be considered a midwesterner after living here for over 20 years but I am still a southerner by heart! The Kentucky Derby gets my blood flowing with excitement! All the pretty dresses, big hats and bourbon signals Derby time. Whether you are going to the actual Derby or hosting your own Derby party there are some things to make your day absolutely perfect!
We all know that Derby is all about the hats! I just love seeing all the colorful and extravagant hats. My daughter asked me to find her a hat for her trip to the Derby and I love a challenge. I decided I was going to make it and headed to Joanne Fabrics. The ribbon, tulle, feathers and flowers were calling my name! I knew that me and my trusty glue gun could get the job done!
Flowers are a way to set the color tone of your hat and have a focal point. Including feathers is a great way to add a pop of color and make it more whimsical. I also added tulle (netting) and loved giving it a mind of its own!
Let your creativity flow and have fun with it!
Derby Day Recipes– Cocktails and food and are another necessity for the complete experience. The southern girl in me is a huge grits fan so a grits bar is a must! I like savory grits but you could also use sweet things if you prefer.
I am a fan of not rushing things with the minute process. Stirring the grits regularly is the key to perfect grits!
In a medium pan bring 4 cups of water, 4 Cups of milk and 2 tsp salt to boiling
Slowly add 2 Cups of Quaker grits, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon
Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently for 6-8 minutes
Place grits in small ramekins and have your guests indulge!
Toppings
Crispy bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped scallions
Jalapeño slices
Tomatoes
Maple syrup
Butter
Chicken Sliders – Chick Fil A is a southern staple in my family. A quick trick here is to get the chicken minis with extra pickle chips and doctor them up at home with spicy honey sauce.
Spicy honey
Mix 1/2 cup honey with 10 dashes hot sauce and mix well
Bourbon BarBQ Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 large jar grape jelly
1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
1/2 cup bourbon
Over medium heat bring jelly, chili sauce and bourbon to a boil.
Chop onion fine and mix with meat, garlic and onion powder. Make small meatballs and drop into boiling mixture. Turn down to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes
Whether you watch the 145th run for the roses in person at Churchill Downs or you enjoy the pomp and circumstance and actual race from home, you’ll want to join the fun with some sort of Mint julep variation in hand!
The traditional Mint julep became the official drink of the Derby in the 1930’s and can be made with mint, sugar/honey, crushed ice and bourbon.
At one point the Mint Julep was used as a trophy, so making the perfect julep is so important. Gently bruising and not muddling the mint is a key secret!
Ingredients
2 ounces Bourbon
2 spoons honey sweetener or sugar
2 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
Sort of fresh mint for garnish
Rub the mint around inside the julep cup, bruising but not totally muddling. Drizzle honey n the cup followed with bourbon. Mix all ingredients together
Pack crushed iced on top and add sprig of mint and a fun straw to enjoy!
I have had mint growing in our back yard for years and it takes things over a bit but I am so happy to have it readily available!
If you are not a mint person, making a variation using rosemary is delicious! You can use Muddled Lime, simple syrup and vodka with a sprig of rosemary and it’s wonderful!
I sent a basket with my daughter to make sure they were totally prepared for the ultimate derby day. Due to the forecast of rain, I made sure they have decorated rain ponchos and also ingredients for morning Bloody Mary’s so they can start the day off strong!
Ingredients
Large bottle Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix
3 Cups vodka (I prefer Tito’s)
Juice of whole lime
5-6 dashes tobacco
2 tbsp horseradish
5 dashes Worcestershire
*Put celery salt on rim of pitcher
Add on Garnish options:
Lowrys seasoning salt
Pickle Spears
Celery
Bacon
Olives
Fred chicken legs
Skewers of cooked shrimp
Hope you enjoy the “greatest two minutes in sports”!
