Derby Delights: Four Recipes for Yum

Derby Delights: Four Recipes for Yum

Put on your big hats, grab your mint juleps and let's get ready to party - Derby style! The Kentucky Derby is this weekend and we're bringing you four delicious modern takes on traditional southern drinks and dishes. Line 'em up and let's get started!

Cocktail hour starts off with Southern Living's adaptation of the Ultimate Mint Julep bar. Choose your favorite flavored syrups - this bar features peach-basil, blackberry, grapefruit-honey, pineapple-lemongrass and traditional mint syrups.

For an added kick, offer various types of bourbon, including Kentucky's own Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. And don't forget the mint garnish! Serve it all up in a 10 oz square heavy plastic rocks glass.

For a traditional southern favorite, we go straight to the source - the Kentucky Derby website. Serve your heavy hors d'oeuvre, small portions of shrimp and grits with red-eye gravy, passed in plastic martini glasses.

We've got a dessert double whammy lined up that will make your mouth water. First, the Hostess with the Mostess gives us a step-by-step on creating mint julep cupcakes. I suppose you could say it was "mint" to be for the Derby? And last, but not least, we have the dessert that is nicknamed the Kentucky Derby - a deepdish chocolate version of the bourbon pecan pie from Kumquat. It also just happens to be gluten-free!

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If these tasty treats are inspiring you with a future party theme, stay tuned for this week's party blog for Derby-themed party inspirations worthy of the winner's circle. Party on, Smarties!