Talk Derby to Me

No Derby party is complete without its signature cocktail. Fresh mint, simple syrup, ice, and, of course, bourbon combine to make a refreshing beverage perfect for ushering in summer.

Derby celebrations are as much about the hats as the horses, so make sure to include this clever and easy cheese hat on your Derby party table.

Turn a traditional hot brown sandwich into a main dish tart by layering the turkey, bacon and cheese in a flaky pie crust and topping with tomato slices.

The fastest two minutes in sports leaves plenty of time for ham biscuits, bourbon truffles, and flavorful juleps. Hats off to this Millionaires Row-worthy menu.

In horse-racing jargon, a "banker" is a horse all but guaranteed to win. If there was an office pool for sandwiches, this would be our sure-bet. Serve this all-time Kentucky favorite to guests who want to experience a taste of tradition from Churchill Downs

Add Southern flavor to your buffet by serving deliciously tart fried green tomatoes topped with diced bell peppers and a fragrant rose vinaigrette.

Pay homage to the classic Derby dress code and bake these fashionable treats. Host a hat cookie decorating contest and give the winner a dozen pre-made cookies to take home.

Make a minty sweet tea version of the mint julep. Crush the mint with the back of a wooden spoon to release its flavor, then serve over ice with slices of lemons and limes.

Serve a rich and creamy pie packed with pecans, chocolate morsels, brown sugar, and bourbon. The recipe calls for packaged piecrusts, so it's an easy dessert to put together on the morning of the event.

Encourage guests to hoist their pinkies in the air for these decadent, hardy tea sandwiches. Crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of hot sauce add robust flavor, so they're perfect for high tea or cocktail hour.

Because nothing says "Southern Indulgence" more than a teapot made entirely of cake, food-coloring, and fondant, display this over-the-top dessert as an edible centerpiece. Fondant is a malleable icing, so if you're feeling ambitious, make extra and craft horses for decoration in place of the butterflies.

These make-ahead gems are easy enough for casual get-togethers and fancy enough for special occasions.