*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you make a purchase using any of these links.*
Happy Derby Day/Cinco de Mayo weekend, y’all! Did you know that the Kentucky Derby is now America’s longest-running sporting event? That’s crazy, y’all! Regardless of how much (or little) you know about the Kentucky Derby, tomorrow is every southerner’s favorite excuse for putting on fancy hats and throwing a party. Whether you’re hanging in Louisville or just watching at home with friends and neighbors, grab a mint julep and get ready for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. If you need a little party inspiration, I’m sharing a handful of hostess tips for assembling the perfect Derby Day bar cart, as well as my go-to frozen mint julep punch recipe, in today’s post!
Derby Day Bar Cart
The Derby is all about bourbon and juleps. When designing your Derby Day bar cart, lay it out like a mint julep station. Make sure got a variety of Kentucky bourbons on hand, like Woodford Reserve, which is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Maker’s Mark, and Four Roses. You’ll also want to have silver julep cups, straws, drink stirrers, ice, fresh mint, and and mint simple syrup (get my recipe here) handy, plus some simple finger snacks, like pecans. The Kentucky Derby is also famous for its red rose garland, so decorate with with extra roses in mint julep-style vases.
I got the idea to make these cute DIY mint julep kits from Pizzazzerie’s Entertain In Style book. Not only are they the ultimate Derby Day party favor, they look super cute displayed on party tables and bar carts, too.
Frozen Mint Julep Punch
If you like to putting spins on the traditional cocktails, you’ll love my go-to frozen mint julep punch recipe. I found it in Pizzazzerie’s Entertain In Style, and it’s become one of my all-time favorite drinks. Not only is it easy to make, you can prepare and freeze it days in advance. Just scoop and serve as guests arrive! Beware, though, that if you use real silver mint julep cups, guests may complain the cups are too cold to handle. I learned this personally from experience– and by that I mean my fingers almost got frostbite.
Keep reading for the printable recipe card. In the meantime, here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of frozen mint julep punch:
- 1 12oz can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
- 1 12oz can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups bourbon
- 1 cup mint simple syrup
Frozen Mint Julep Punch
This frozen mint julep punch is a refreshing twist on the Kentucky Derby's signature mint julep!
Ingredients
- 1 12oz can frozen lemonade, thawed and undiluted
- 1 12oz can frozen limeade, thawed and undiluted
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups bourbon
- 1 cup mint simple syrup
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a pitcher and stir well.
- Transfer to freezer-friendly container(s) and freeze.
- Scoop into mint julep cups to serve. Garnish with mint.
Notes
- One of the best things about this cocktail recipe is that you can prepare and freeze it prior to your party.
- Allow at least 24 hours to freeze.
Oh, and last but not least, if you need any Derby-related fashion advice, click here for this year’s Kentucky Derby Style Guide.
Shop the Post: Seersucker Midi Dress | White Fascinator | Espadrille Slide Sandals | Bar Cart (discontinued circa 2016 from Target; similar style linked) | Silver Julep Cups | Galvanized Ice Bucket | Galvanized Rose Vase | Horseshoe Stirrers | Napkins (found these at Hobby Lobby; similar product linked) | Straws
Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
Photography by Catherine Rhodes
