Happy derby week! I’m excited to team up with a local blogger, Emily of Miss Molly Vintage, to bring you a delicious derby party menu! The derby is such a special part of Kentucky culture, but it’s fun to celebrate no matter where you live! I introduced horse racing to my friends while I was in school in Alabama and got them all hooked. And who doesn’t love an excuse for a party?! Our menu includes bite-sized appetizers, a refreshing cocktail and decadent dessert sure to wow your guests. Or don’t throw a party and just make the milkshake for yourself.. it’s that good.
I wish I could say I was going to the derby or throwing a fun party, but I will be celebrating my little brother’s graduation from the University of Alabama this weekend (yay JP!) However I am throwing a derby-themed bridal shower on Sunday and plan on making a couple of these dishes! Check out the full menu and recipes below. You can even print out the menu to use for your own derby party!
Find the full recipe here by Miss Molly Vintage
Of course you can’t go wrong with a mint julep, but we decided to switch it up with this refreshing gin cocktail (don’t worry, you’ll get some bourbon later!) The recipe still uses mint, so you have that key derby element. It’s also super easy and quick to assemble, so you can focus on your guests while keeping them cool and refreshed all day!
Find the full recipe here by Miss Molly Vintage
Find the full recipe here by Lex Eats
Beer cheese is another Kentucky staple and the perfect fit for a derby party! This recipe can be made days ahead of time and you can assemble a tray with veggies, crackers and pretzels for your dip the morning of the party, so it’s a low-stress choice. I find one of the hardest parts about entertaining is getting all the food out at the same time, so I’m all about recipes that can be prepped ahead of time!
Find the full recipe here by Lex Eats
Find the full recipe here by Miss Molly Vintage
How beautiful do Emily’s crostini look?! I was personally blown away by these, so I know your guests will be too! These are a great hearty appetizer that will fill your guests up. The recipe incorporates so many yummy flavors – blue cheese, pickled red onion, horseradish, herb cornbread. And I mean, who doesn’t love beef tenderloin?
Find the full recipe here by Miss Molly Vintage
Find the full recipe here by Lex Eats
You can’t say “derby” without thinking of a hot brown. The classic dish can be a lot to prepare for a large party, so I came up with these “hot brown-inspired” pinwheels that have the flavor of a hot brown without so much prep! This is another recipe that can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. Just take them out of the freezer the day of your party, slice and bake!
Find the full recipe here by Lex Eats
Find the full recipe here by Miss Molly Vintage
I told you there would be bourbon 😉 Derby pie is a no-brainer for a derby party, but I love the spin Emily put on it with these milkshakes. They are the perfect decadent dessert for your derby day festivities. Rich and chocolatey with a hint of bourbon and some crunch from the graham crackers and toasted pecans. Serving them in derby glasses is a great touch!
Find the full recipe here by Miss Molly Vintage
I hope y’all are inspired to throw your own derby party, or at least make a few recipes! Be sure to stop by Miss Molly Vintage and check out her cute site and shop. We also have a fun giveaway for you on Instagram tomorrow; so stay tuned 😉 Hoping you have a great week and fun derby weekend!
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
That milkshake looks amazing!! Definitely gonna have to give it a try.