Confession: I don’t think I’ve ever actually watched the Kentucky Derby. However, I’ve attended a few Kentucky Derby parties haha! I’ll take any excuse to dress up, wear a cute hat, drink a cocktail, and snack on some good eats. Duh! This year I planned a Regal Kentucky Derby Party Menu that looks super fancy but was so easy to pull off!
A very Regal Kentucky Derby Party Menu
My party menu is a little bit royal, a little bit southern, and a whole lot of yummy. I also made my own version of a mint julep – using Rosemary and Bourbon instead of Mint. So good! I basically took Valerie Bertinellie’s recipe for Rosemary Gin Fiz and swapped the Gin for Bourbon.
Rosemary Bourbon Fiz
Rosemary Bourbon Fiz
A Regal Kentucky Derby Party Menu
Although my Derby knowledge is very limited I have heard of past winner “American Pharoah”. Naturally, I made a salad in his honor – an Herby American Farro Salad. It’s a light salad, packed with fresh flavor from herbs and vegetables, and a speedy thing to put together – it has all the great qualities of a racing horse 🙂
American Farro Salad for Kentucky Derby Party
American Farro Salad for Kentucky Derby Party
For a regal touch, I added three different types of tea sandwiches to the menu; Smoked Salmon, cucumber and herb cream cheese, and egg salad sandwiches. I love adding a variety to the table – something for everyone and all are super easy to make!
Tea Sandwiches for Kentucky Derby Party

For the smoked salmon I simply used the same recipe I used in the Phyllo Cups for my Easter Brunch Menu. I also used the same deviled egg recipe for the sandwiches. I just added the egg whites into the mixture. And for the cucumber sandwiches I just mixed cream cheese with fresh herbs (chives, parsley, and basil) along with a bit of garlic salt. Added the mixture to the bread and topped with cucumber slices.
Tea Sandwiches for Kentucky Derby Party
Of course, any Kentucky Derby party has to have Pimento Cheese, right? A Southern staple and my goodness is it tasty! I used Damaris Phillips recipe and just served it alongside crackers, celery, and endive.
Pimento Cheese for Kentucky Derby Party
Pimento Cheese for Kentucky Derby Party
What’s a party without dessert, right?! And this may be the best dessert ever! A Bourbon Caramel Creme Brulee! It’s so good! And I can’t take an ounce for credit for this recipe! I used Ashley Bowden’s of the Pedantic Foodie’s recipe. This recipe was absolutely perfect! There is no sense in trying to mess with it! So yum!
Bourbon Caramel Creme Brulee
Bourbon Caramel Creme Brulee
If you throw a Derby Party, let me know what you plan on making! Cheers and good luck party planning! And racing 🙂

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