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How to Host Your Own Kentucky Derby Party

Horses and bourbon, as we’ve written recently, are really, really big in Kentucky. The ultimate expression of this is the 142nd running of The Kentucky Derby, which will take place May 7, 2016, and there’s no better excuse to throw a party.

The 20 3-year-old Thoroughbred horses that run the 1.25 mile race have already competed numerous times to earn a place in the starting lineup. It is the first race of the Triple Crown, followed by The Preakness Stakes and The Belmont Stakes. American Pharaoh, last year’s Derby winner, was the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. This “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” is a weeks-long celebration in Bourbon Country.

Kentucky Derby Party
You too can throw your own Kentucky Derby Party (image via Kentucky Derby)

If you’d like to host your own Derby Party the first Saturday in May, here’s what you need to know:

Mint Juleps for Many

  In a tall glass with ice, add:

2 ounces Old Forester bourbon

1 ounce mint simple syrup

Crushed ice

Add a sipping straw and garnish with a large mint sprig.

To make the mint simple syrup:

1 part water

1 part sugar

1 part loosely-packed fresh mint leaves

In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar.  Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.  When the water is clear and the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and stir in the mint leaves.  Let steep for 20 minutes.  Strain into a glass container and store in the refrigerator. Note:  You can adjust the sweetness of the drink by adding more or less of the mint simple syrup.  The mint simple syrup is also a great addition to iced tea.

  • Fashion is important at a Derby party, so encourage guests to wear hats.
  • The race will be broadcast on NBC Sports from 4-7 p.m. There will be multiple races leading up to the Kentucky Derby.

You can buy all kinds of official party supplies and Derby merchandise from the Kentucky Derby Website. You can also place bets on the races there as well.

We’ve also embedded below for your consideration the official party planning guide from the Kentucky Derby site.

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