Let’s be honest, getting tickets to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is out of reach for most people. First of all, the tickets alone are quite expensive, and for some people, it requires a long trip overseas that further extends the costs.
But you don’t need a seat at Churchill Downs to get the best horse racing experience. So, why don’t you try to bring that experience to your home? As you probably already know, horse racing is more than just the race. It is about food, people, drinks, and fashion, all of which can be brought to your horse racing watch party.
One of the best ways to get into the right mood for a horse race is to sip something classy and serve food that makes people say, “Wait, are we at the racetrack or a five-star picnic?”
So, whether you are organizing a watch party for the Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby, or just trying to find an excuse to day-drink in linen, this is your go-to guide that will help you bring the flavor of the track to your home through some iconic recipes.
Getting Into the Right Vibes
Think of a racing watch party as a classy cookout with a Southern twist. You want to balance charm with flavor, and finger food with a little flair. No one wants to juggle a fork and knife when they’re yelling at the screen.
And don’t worry—nothing here requires a culinary degree. Just a bit of prep, a little bourbon, and the willingness to get your guests saying, “Holy heck, did you make this?”
Let’s Start with the Drinks
1. Classic Mint Julep
You can’t talk horse racing without this iconic Southern sipper.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
How to Make It:
Muddle mint and syrup in a glass. Add bourbon. Pack it with crushed ice until it sounds like a snow cone. Garnish with more mint, like you’re trying to impress your Southern aunt.
Serve it in a silver cup just to bring that Kentucky Derby vibe to your home.
2. Blackberry Bourbon Smash
For a fruitier option that still slaps.
Ingredients:
- Blackberries
- Mint
- Bourbon
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Club soda
Smash berries and mint, add liquids, shake with ice, and top with club soda. Watch your guests fall in love with you.
3. Iced Sweet Tea Sangria
Because sangria just screams “I’m fancy but I also want to get tipsy responsibly.”
Ingredients:
- Sweet tea
- White wine (or rosé)
- Sliced peaches, lemons, and berries
- A splash of peach schnapps or vodka
Mix, chill, serve in a big pitcher. Bonus points if it’s in a mason jar.
The Food: Small Bites, Big Flavor
1. Mini Kentucky Hot Browns
The classic Derby Day sandwich reimagined into slider form.
How to:
Layer turkey, crispy bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce (that’s just a fancy cheesy béchamel) onto mini brioche buns. Broil for a melty top. Serve warm.
2. Pimento Cheese Dip with Crudité and Crackers
Southern, creamy, addictive.
Pro Tip: Make your own with sharp cheddar, mayo, pimentos, and a dash of cayenne. If it doesn’t look a little messy, you did it wrong.
3. Bourbon Meatballs
Because everything’s better when it’s bite-sized and bourbon-glazed.
How to:
Use frozen meatballs if you’re short on time. Simmer them in a mix of bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire. Toothpicks = mandatory.
4. Deviled Eggs—But Make Them Fancy
Classic eggs, but add flair with toppings like:
- Crispy prosciutto
- Pickled jalapeños
- Truffle oil
- Paprika with smoked salt
They’ll disappear faster than a long shot at post time.
5. Derby Pie Bites
Imagine pecan pie had a lovechild with chocolate chip cookies.
How to:
Mix chopped pecans, chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar. Pour into mini phyllo cups or muffin tins. Bake until gooey in the center and crisp on the edges.
Horse racing food varies from place to place. In most horse races in the UK, they serve fish & chips, while in the United States, most major horse races have their own signature dish.
So, the food menu is quite versatile, but they all have that fancy twist. Therefore, if you are watching a particular race like the Belmont Stakes, you should go for the Belmont Jewel cocktail, a Waldorf salad, some braised short ribs, or some cheesecake bites.
The choice is up to you.
Presentation Matters (But Keep It Chill)
You don’t need silver platters or doilies (unless you’re into that). Just a few classy touches:
- Serve drinks in real glassware or mason jars. Ditch the solo cups.
- Use little chalkboard signs to label food like “Jockey’s Favorite Meatballs”or “Photo Finish Pimento Dip.”
- Hang up a couple racing-themed decorations—horseshoes, checkered flags, or even mini turf runners as table covers.
And for fun? Hand out paper betting slips or offer $1 wagers for each race to keep the competition alive (and lighthearted).