The hats, the horses, the juleps, the jubilee! The Kentucky Derby has always been a sure sign of Spring and early Summer. Covid-19 may have changed how we enjoy the Kentucky Derby. But that hasn’t changed everyone’s desire to celebrate with a Derby Party. Writer Kathy Witt brings us a taste of Kentucky, showing us how to throw a DIY Virtual Kentucky Derby Party!

Save these ideas for a Kentucky Derby Party to Pinterest.

Churchill Downs photo courtesy of Go to Louisville.

The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the United States and a quintessential Spring event. Join in the festivities from wherever you are, celebrating the run for the roses with this fun DIY guide.

Virtual Kentucky Derby Party Food & Drink

Mix a Mint Julep

Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served during the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. This year, The Bardstown Bourbon Company and Kentucky Department of Tourism are making it easier than ever to prepare the iconic drink at home with a step-by-step recipe in the new short-form video series On the Rocks, available here: www.kentuckytourism.com/get-inspired-ky/photos-videos/on-the-rocks. Here’s a recipe for making your own.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company Mint Julep Recipe

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup
• 3-4 Mint Leaves

Directions

• Muddle simple syrup and mint in a tin cup, add the bourbon and top with crushed ice and mint garnish. If your refrigerator does not have a crushed ice option, add ice cubes in a bag and crush with a mallet or similar kitchen tool.

Mint Juleps are a must for a Derby party. Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Tourism.

Cook Up Derby Classics

Bourbon Ball Truffles, Buttermilk Cornbread, Benedictine finger sandwiches and Spoonbread Souffles will make any at-home Derby day feel like you’re at the races. The Better in the Bluegrass website from the Kentucky Department of Tourism includes recipes from the Bluegrass State’s top chefs and easy to follow videos, perfect for every type of chef. To access these recipes and more, please visit: www.betterinthebluegrass.com/recipes.

Serve Kentucky Spoonbread Souffle. Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Tourism.

Serve Benedictine Finger Sandwiches with cucumbers, cream cheese and seasonings. Photo courtesy the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

Classic Kentucky Bourbon Balls photo courtesy the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

Virtual Kentucky Derby DIY Hat

Kentucky Derby fashion revolves around the hats! The event is one of the biggest fashion events of the Spring. A DIY Derby Hat is a perfect craft for the whole family, all that is needed is a sunhat and any arts and crafts supplies on hand (ribbons, lace, feathers, netting, glitter, beads – anything goes!).

For inspiration, check out the iconic Dee’s Hats or Louisville-based blogger The Southern Gloss.

Festive hats are essential for a DIY Virtual Kentucky Derby Party. Photo courtesy Pixabay.com.

Tour a Horse Farm During Your Virtual Kentucky Derby Party

For horse lovers, the Kentucky Derby is much more than the two-minute race; it’s the beauty and power of these majestic champions. At home viewers can get an intimate look at Kentucky’s Thoroughbreds through Kentucky Tourism’s new short-form video series Behind the Gait and Foal Play, or tune in to Visit Horse Country’s live streams and virtual tours of Kentucky’s top horse farms.

Visit a horse farm, virtually. Photo courtesy Visit Horse Country.

Hungry for more? Add some authentic Kentucky fried chicken to the party with this recipe.

Need to shop for items for your party? Here are links to a wide variety of Kentucky Derby party goodies; gorgeous Derby hats; julep cups; and a cake pedestal for your finger sandwiches. Then, make plans to visit Kentucky for the Derby in September with this Booking.com affiliate link.

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Pin these tips to Pinterest so you can plan your party.