The Kentucky Derby is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year, and no celebration is complete without the perfect food and drink to accompany it. From classic Mint Juleps to bourbon-soaked treats, here are 15 of the best food and drink recipes that will make your Kentucky Derby celebration a winner. Don’t forget your fancy hat!
Chocolate bourbon pecan pie
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is the ultimate dessert for the world’s fastest two minutes in sports! With a chocolate crust, a rich chocolate filling, toasted pecans and a hint of whiskey, this boozy pie recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Whiskey ginger
This spicy Whiskey Ginger Cocktail is the best way to warm up on a wintry night or cool down in the summer. With lime juice, bourbon and ginger ale, it’s got enough sweetness, tartness and spiciness to send the blues away.
Get the Recipe: Whiskey Ginger
Mint julep
Famous for its starring role at the Kentucky Derby, the mint julep is a classic bourbon cocktail filled with fresh flavor and is perfect for afternoon sipping.
Get the Recipe: Mint Julep
Kentucky bourbon balls
Boozy Bourbon Balls make the perfect adult treat for any time of year, from the holidays to the Kentucky Derby. Made with real bourbon, cookie crumbs and pecans, these sweet confections are no-bake and easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Kentucky mule
The Kentucky Mule cocktail is a bourbon-forward beverage that co-stars lime and ginger beer. Together, they are a charming combo that brightens the complex flavors of Kentucky whiskey.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Mule Cocktail
Bloody derby
Essentially a Bloody Mary with whiskey, the Bloody Derby is a tasty cocktail for brunch. This twist on the classic savory cocktail is made with bourbon and tomato juice and one you shouldn’t miss.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Derby
Bourbon marshmallows
Add delectable Bourbon Marshmallows to your hot chocolate or use them to make Southern s’mores. These soft and pillowy homemade marshmallows offer a hint of whiskey flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Marshmallows
Brown butter bourbon Rice Krispie treats
These Salted Brown Butter Bourbon Rice Krispie Treats are made with fragrant brown butter and your favorite bourbon. Crunchy and chewy, this upgraded childhood sweet treat gets a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to boot.
Get the Recipe: Salted Brown Butter Bourbon Rice Krispie Treats
Old-fashioned cocktail
Whiskey lovers will love this homemade old-fashioned cocktail. This classic bourbon drink is one any home bartender should know.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Belmont Jewel
The Belmont Jewel cocktail is the #1 drink for toasting the Belmont Stakes. While not technically one of the Kentucky Derby recipes, it is still perfect for celebrating the Triple Crown hopefuls. Bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice are served over crushed ice, and this trio makes for a fruity punch that’s delicious all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Belmont Jewel
Bourbon caramel sauce
Made with some good bourbon and a pinch of sea salt, this homemade Bourbon Caramel Sauce is a simple recipe with a rich flavor profile. Drizzle it over desserts or give jars of it as favors for your Derby party.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Black-eyed Susan
While not one of the Kentucky Derby recipes, this is drink for another horse race in the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes. The Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is so named for the Maryland-shaped blanket of yellow flowers that is draped around the winner’s neck. Vodka and elderflower liqueur join pineapple, orange and lime juices for a sunny drink worthy of race-watching.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Susan
Virgin mint julep
Make a Virgin Mint Julep to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. Made with zero-proof spirits that taste like bourbon, this is a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail to enjoy all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Mint Julep
Bourbon ginger ale cake
Bake up a Bourbon Ginger Ale Cake reminiscent of the classic cocktail combination. Made with ginger ale soda, which acts as a leavener, this easy cake recipe is soft inside with a crisp outer crust. Drizzle it with a sweet citrus and bourbon glaze.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Ginger Ale Cake
Peach whiskey smash
Summery and sweet, serve up this Peach Whiskey Smash recipe made with frozen or fresh peaches plus bourbon. This crushable cocktail is one of the best Kentucky Derby recipes, but it’s excellent on a hot summer day too.
Get the Recipe: Peach Whiskey Smash