Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with Classic Cocktails and Appetizers

The Kentucky Derby epitomizes elegance with its glamorous hats, exquisite attire, and the iconic mint julep in hand.

For those watching from home or a local establishment, you can still enjoy the Derby experience with traditional cocktails and appetizers.

Here’s a curated list of top Kentucky Derby recipes to elevate your Derby Day festivities.

Mint Julep: The Derby’s Signature Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 8 fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
• Garnish: Mint sprig
• Garnish: Angostura bitters (optional)

Steps:

1. Lightly muddle the mint leaves in a julep cup or rocks glass with the simple syrup.
2. Add the bourbon and fill the glass tightly with crushed ice.
3. Stir until the outside of the cup is frosted.
4. Top with additional crushed ice to form a dome.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and, if desired, a few drops of bitters.

The Mint Julep remains the undisputed beverage champion of the Kentucky Derby, celebrated for its refreshing taste and classic presentation.

Jockey Club: A Sweeter Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
• Garnish: Brandied cherry

Steps:

1. Combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

The Jockey Club is a delightful, sweeter twist on the classic Manhattan, perfect for Derby Day.

Benedictine Spread: A Classic Kentucky Appetizer

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 small English cucumber, peeled, halved, seeds removed, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
• 2 scallions, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper slices, radishes, and crostini, for serving

Steps:

1. Blend cream cheese, cucumber, dill, scallions, lemon juice, and mayonnaise in a food processor until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Garnish with additional dill.
4. Serve with a selection of fresh vegetables and crostini.

This Benedictine Spread, invented by Jennie Carter Benedict, has been a Kentucky Derby classic for over a century.

Man o’ War: A Legendary Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce orange curaçao or triple sec
• 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Garnish: Lemon peel
• Garnish: Brandied cherry

Steps:

1. Shake bourbon, orange curaçao (or triple sec), sweet vermouth, and lemon juice with ice until chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a skewered lemon peel and a brandied cherry.

Named after a famous racehorse, the Man o’ War cocktail stands out with its sophisticated blend of flavors.

Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders: A Southern Favorite

Ingredients:

• 1–2 teaspoons canola oil
• 2–3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Slider buns for serving

Steps:

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven or stovetop-safe slow cooker insert over medium-high heat and brown the pork on all sides.
3. Mix dark brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and smoked paprika until the sugar dissolves.
4. Layer sliced onions in the base of the slow cooker, place the pork shoulder on top, and pour over the sauce.
5. Cook on LOW for 8 hours until the pork is tender.
6. Remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and skim the fat from the sauce.
7. Puree the onions and sauce until smooth, then mix with the pulled pork.
8. Serve on slider buns with extra sauce on the side.

These Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders bring a taste of Kentucky’s rich culinary tradition right to your table.

Enjoy your Kentucky Derby celebration with these classic cocktails and appetizers that capture the essence of this historic event. Whether you’re watching the race from home or a local venue, these recipes will help you experience the Derby’s charm and excitement.