Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, one of the South’s most awaited events of the year. Women flaunt their elaborate hats and sundresses during the event and men wear their seersucker suits with cocktails and cigars in hand. But for the Southerners, the Kentucky Derby is not complete without traditional food and drinks. This year the Run for the Roses will be held on May 5, and we have a line up of great recipes to get your Derby party rolling!
Today, Simply Charmed is sharing some Derby Day traditional food recipes and a few cocktail recipes.
Beer Cheese
This cheesy dip gained its popularity in some parts of the country recently, but it originated in the 1930s in Kentucky. This gooey goodness is best served with soft and warm pretzels. Today, there are packaged versions sold in the market, but you can create your own for your Derby party. Here's a beer cheese dip recipe.
Here's what you need:
12 ounces shredded, sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 bottle or 12 ounce beer, preferably brown ale
5 ounces evaporated milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
Kosher salt, to taste
Here’s how to mix it:
Bourbon Balls
This liquor-infused candy, Kentucky candy was invented by Ruth Hanly Booe. This boozy bite-sized treat is enclosed with creamy-sweet bourbon-laced center and rolled in powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or finely chopped pecans.
Here's what you need:
1 cup fine vanilla wafer crumbs
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup bourbon
2 cups powdered sugar, divided
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Here's how to make it:
Kentucky Burgoo
In the 19th century, the burgoo served in the South was made of opossum, rabbit and squirrel. Today, Kentucky burgoo is a hearty meat stew made with beef, chicken and lamb simmered with beans, tomatoes, vegetables, sorghum or molasses, Worcestershire, ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Here's what you need:
1 pound chunked beef top round
1 pound chunked lamb sirloin
1/2 pounds chunked chicken thighs
1 tablespoon salt
12 cups water
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (one 12-ounce bag)
2 1/2 cups frozen sliced okra (one 12-ounce bag)
2 15-ounce cans, butter beans, drained
1 1/2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Kentucky sorghum or molasses
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Here's how to prepare it:
It wouldn’t be Kentucky Derby party without Derby cocktails! Here are delightful cocktail recipes for your Derby party!
Cherry Julep Cocktail
This Cherry Julep cocktail secret recipe is gin and cherry brandy. It's a refreshing drink to be served on Kentucky Derby party or any spring and summer events.
Here's what you need for 2 servings:
4 measures | 100ml | 3.5 fluid ounces - gin
2 measures | 50ml | 1.8 fluid ounces - cherry brandy
Handful of ice
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tsp grenadine
2 tsp simple syrup
Soda water to top up
Lemon rind strips to decorate or mint leaves, frozen berries etc.
Crushed ice to serve
Here's how to mix it:
Pom Whisky Sour Cocktail
This cocktail drink is a classic whisky sour with a pomegranate twist.
Here's what you need for 2 servings:
Ice cubes
1 whole lemon and additional slices for garnish
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
2 shots Scotch whiskey
12 ounces Sprite or club soda
Here's how to mix it:
Giddy Up Cocktail
This cocktail drink is big punch flavor. It's a mix of warm spices and the fruit ingredients make it a tasty cross between sangria and a spiced wine.
Here's what you need for 15 servings:
3-4 fresh figs, sliced (or 1 cup dried figs)
1-2 fresh gala apples, sliced
1 cup of cherries
2-3 oranges, sliced (not peeled)
1 lemon, sliced
2 bottles VOGA Italia Merlot
3 cups sparkling apple cider
1 cup orange juice
½ cup brandy
½ cup dark spiced rum
4 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
Here's how to mix it: