Host a Derby Day Party: Mint Julep Recipes and Easy Decorations
Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11:16AM 
Big hats, red roses, pretty spring dresses, horses, Kentucky Bourbon and mint juleps. Now if those aren't reason enough to host a party, I don't know what is! The races at Keeneland are underway now and The Kentucky Derby will be run May 1 at Churchill Downs. So call your friends, dust off that huge hat and mix up some mint juleps! In fact, why wait for Derby Day? Mix some up this weekend! Go baby go!
Derby Decorations
Decorations for a Derby Day party could not be easier. Use anything silver as a container--- use whatever you have. You can even just spray paint something you already have silver if you don't have anything.... a terra cotta pot, for example. A mint julep cup makes a perfect vase. Add a few red roses and you're done! They call the Derby the "run for the roses" because the winning horse is covered with a blanket of red roses so use lots of red roses for your decorations. You can get them anywhere--- even Wal-Mart! We used 3 per container for this arrangement along with some leaves and a little moss.
Mint Juleps from MyRecipes.comMint Julep Recipes
A classic mint julep begins with good Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark or Four Roses. Mint is also essential, although there are some versions that use fresh basil; very different but very refreshing. Add some ice. That's really all you need. Here's my version-use mint simple syrup so you don't have to play bartender all day and you get lots more mint flavor.
Martie's Classic Mint Julep for a Crowd
These mint julep recipes below are all from our good friends at MyRecipes.com!
And my own spin on the perfect Derby Day cocktail, Pomegranate Spiked Sweet Tea!
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