Grab your wide brimmed hats and don your seersucker suit. Saturday is Derby Day, the most exciting 100+ seconds in sports of the season. Having once owned race horses, I still get nervous, and feel the rush of excitement of the owners and trainers. The winners circle is a very exciting place to be. If you are planning a Derby Day dinner or party, these recipes put you on the fast track to success.
HERE: 20 Recipes To Bet On!
Pony Drink Stirrers
If there is any day where "horsing around" is approved, it's Derby Day. These golden ponies make for a good show at any party!
Nonnie’s Kentucky Derby Pie.
Is there anything better than chocolate pecan pie? Yes, there is, a pie that is topped with bourbon whipped cream! This is one winning and tasty recipe.
Frozen Peach and Vanilla Mint Juleps
Even if you aren't a bourbon drinker, you have to admit that these sound good and even look better. I mean, they are made with frozen peaches. A must try.
Pimento Cheese with Salt-and-Pepper Butter Crackers
With two parents that were born in Kentucky, I have spent a good deal of time there myself. And we were raised on Southern food like Pimento Cheese. It's a great snack with a cocktail.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches on Jalapeño Cornbread Biscuits with Honey Bourbon Bacon
Honey bourbon bacon pretty much says it all about this recipe. But it is the biscuits that really make this sandwich, and all of those gorgeous toppings, of course.
Mint Julep Popsicle
There's nothing better than a portable dessert at a party. These could not be easier or more clever for and Derby Day event.
Herbed Shrimp on Grits Cakes
An elevated take on a classic Southern staple.
Kentucky Bourbon Cake
This quote says it best, “This buttermilk Bundt cake, drenched in a boozy bourbon glaze, is a great vehicle for whipped cream and strawberries. Kentucky Bourbon Cake was the prize-winning entry by Nell Lewis at the 1963 Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest in Platte City, Missouri.” Once a winner, and still a winner. Get the pan at Amazon and the recipe at
Matcha Mint Juleps
These minty bourbon cocktails spiked with powdered green tea, are refreshing on a warm Spring day.
Smoked Ham With Bourbon, Sugar and Cola
No one made a better ham than my Aunt Rose. I bet she still does. Of course it helps, when you raise and smoke the hog yourself. I just know that Rose used bourbon in her recipe. Doesn't this sound divine?
Champagne Mint Julep
Now this is just my style. Research tells me that Cavicchioli 1928 is a Prosecco. This bottle is fabulous. If you can't find it, I am sure that any good Italian bottle will do.
5 Ingredient Strawberry Rose Tart
Go for the roses. This dessert will get you to the winners circle.
Bourbon Mint Iced Tea
The ultimate Southern daily drink goes to another level with bourbon!
Ham Biscuits With Mustard Butter
Biscuits are a Southern staple, and nothing beats a soft flaky homemade one. These make an easy to eat snack while enjoying your favorite bourbon.
Bourbon-Pecan Truffles
My Mother made these. They are addictive. Even though they may look fancy, this is an easy recipe. Try it.
Rhubarb Mint Julep
This chic and not too sweet cocktail has the classic flavors of a mint julep with the tangy brightness of rhubarb. Cheers to mixing things up a bit!
Ambrosia Parfait
Raise your hand if you grew up on Ambrosia salad. I certainly did, but it didn't quite look like this. Sorry, Mom, this recipe looks better. It has been enlightened a bit with a mix of unsweetened coconut, shredded sweetened coconut and yogurt. The cherries are "Maraschino." They are the real thing and the author says that they taste like heaven. Find them at Amazon and the recipe at
Tea Sandwiches
These just seem to go head to hand with those fabulous derby hats. Aren't they beautiful?
Earl Grey Bourbon Punch
If you are feeding a crowd, add a little southern sweet tea to their cocktail glass. A decorative ice ring adds a kick to the punch.
Chilled Sweet Pea Soup with Mint and Cream
A perfect way to add a pop of Spring green to your Derby Day Buffet. It's easy and the most popular soup recipe ever at Southern Living.
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