How to Host a Kentucky Derby or Oaks Party: The Cox’s Way Tue, Sep 19, 23 How to Host a Kentucky Derby or Oaks Party When the sun shines bright on our ol’ Kentucky home, we know it’s almost Derby season! If you plan to host a Kentucky Derby party or Kentucky Oaks party this year, we’re sharing a few tidbits of Louisville wisdom to help you elevate your event. First, you’ll want to decide which day to host your event. Hold your horses – we know the Kentucky Derby is run on the first Saturday in May. Not as many folks know that here in Louisville, locals and visitors alike also celebrate on Friday, for the Kentucky Oaks. The Oaks is an entire day of racing on the eve of the Derby and also takes place at historic Churchill Downs. The official Kentucky Oaks race is the highlight, in which only three-year-old thoroughbred fillies (female horses) are allowed to run. You’ll see all the elegant trimmings and traditions of Derby Day, from elaborate hats and seersucker suits to a blanket of flowers for the winner — but instead of red roses, the Oaks winner is draped with a mantle of pink lilies. Hence the name “Lilies for the Fillies.” Both events are in their 151st year and worth celebrating, so pick your event, invite your friends, and set the tone for spring with our lineup of festive Bluegrass recipes. Cocktails Fit for Horse Racing Whether you’re cheering for the fillies on Friday or celebrating Saturday’s Run for the Roses, a long race day calls for cocktails that suit the occasion. We’ve lined up three of our favorite drinks that will guarantee everyone at your party has something to sip. The Kentucky Oaks Lily She’s rosy pink, a little tart, and has a good kick of vodka. This blushing cocktail has been the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks since 2006. It was crafted by Tim Laird, the former Chief Entertaining Officer for Brown-Forman (one of the largest American-owned wine and spirits companies). The Lily has been an Oaks staple ever since. Recipe: - 1 1⁄4 oz vodka- 3 oz cranberry juice- 1 oz lime juice- 1 oz sweet and sour mix- Splash of triple sec- Crushed ice or ice cubes Optional garnishes: lemon wedge and blackberries Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a stemless wine glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh mint or blackberries. The Kentucky Mule Recipe There’s no debate that the Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, but we recommend trying a new twist: the Kentucky Mule. This refreshing take on a Moscow Mule swaps vodka for bourbon to give it a proper Kentucky spin. Recipe: - 2 oz bourbon (we opt for a good mid-price option like Builleit, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve) - 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (about half a time) - 4 oz ginger beer Pour the bourbon and lime juice into a copper mug. Add 4–6 ice cubes, top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with a few mint leaves for a nod to tradition. Strawberry Mint Lemonade Mocktail Borrowing inspiration from both signature cocktails, this balanced mocktail suits any palate. It’s a make-ahead batch recipe so your guests can simply pour and adore. Recipe (8 servings): - 48 oz (6 cups) water - 1 cup sugar - 3 cups fresh or frozen mint leaves - 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh mint leaves - 8 lemons (1/2 tsp zest, 12 oz juice) - Lemon Slices - Ice Cubes Make the simple syrup by boiling 3 cups of water with strawberries and sugar. Remove from heat, steep with mint, and strain. Combine syrup with the rest of the water, lemon juice, zest, and garnish. Kentucky-Themed Snacks and Sweets Ask almost any Kentuckian and they’ll have their tried-and-true Kentucky Derby recipes. We like party appetizers and finger foods you can graze on all day — and that let you watch the horse race without missing a beat. Kentucky Benedictine Spread Sandwiches This creamy cucumber-based spread is Southern, simple, and savory — the perfect make-ahead dish for your Derby Day menu. Recipe: - 2 English cucumbers - 1 white onion (½ cup grated) - 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each) - 3 drops green food coloring (optional) - 2 Tbsp mayo or Miracle Whip - 4 Tbsp chopped fresh dill or 4 tsp dried dill - ½ tsp salt - ½ tsp pepper - 2 loaves white breadDrain grated cucumber and onion. Mix with other ingredients and spread onto bread. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie This rich dessert is a local staple — some would say it’s more iconic than cake during Derby weekend. Recipe: - ½ cup melted butter - 1 cup sugar - ½ cup flour - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 tsp vanilla - ¾ cup chocolate chips - ¾ cup pecans or walnuts - 1.5 Tbsp bourbonMix all ingredients and pour into a pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy a Tradition with 151 Years of History In the end, what matters most is good company and great hospitality. Whether you're celebrating Oaks or Derby, surrounded by friends and family or cheering for your winning horse, you're doing it right. Just don’t tell us you picked based on jockey silks — and we’ll still be friends on Sunday. Visit your local Cox’s or Evergreen Liquors for everything you need to host the perfect Kentucky Derby party. Find a location near you By digitalteam@high10digital.com Tags: derby kentucky oaks mint julep kentucky mule
