A Simple Kentucky Derby Spread

It’s time to get your derby on!

This post was sponsored by Woodford Reserve, all opinions are my own. Please drink responsibly.

The Kentucky Derby is such a fun event to host to kick off the months heading into summer! Being from the south, I especially love any reason to throw a southern themed party! It’s the best excuse to put together a southern themed food spread and whiskey cocktail made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon! If you’re looking to put together a derby spread, here is a simple round up of recipes and tips!

The Set Up:

First things first find an area where you plan to have your food spread – I typically like to set up food buffet style on my kitchen island or on our bar area. In our new house we have a fun spot for buffet style food between the dining room table and kitchen. Use serving trays and cake stands for the food spread and have a spot for the signature cocktail – the Woodford Spire!

The Menu:

When hosting a derby party, think all things southern! For this menu spread I chose Bourbon Maple Ham Biscuits Sliders made with Woodford Reserve, Southern Cheese Grits and Cream Cheese Cucumber Dip (a century old Kentucky classic). Stick to foods that guests can easily nibble on with their hands – this way they can mingle, eat and drink while watching the derby.

BOURBON MAPLE HAM SLIDERS

Servings: 4-6 Sliders

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 35 min

This is SUCH a simple recipe to make – you don’t have to cook a whole ham!

INGREDIENTS

For the Bourbon Maple Glaze –

¼ cup maple syrup
1 ½ oz Woodford Reserve bourbon
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoons roasted garlic powder
1 teaspoons onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

For the sliders –

thick cut slices of ham
4-6 biscuits
grainy mustard

DIRECTIONS

To make the glaze –

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 mins until the glaze reaches a syrupy consistency.

To make the sliders –

On one half of the biscuits place a few slices of ham. Top with the glaze. On the other half of the biscuit spread with the grainy mustard.

The cocktail:

A signature cocktail is a must for a derby party! The perfect derby pairing is Woodford Reserve Bourbon, a Kentucky staple! This cocktail will transport your guests right to the derby!

INGREDIENTS

1.5 OZ. Straight Bourbon Whiskey
2 OZ. Lemonade
1 OZ. Cranberry Juice

DIRECTIONS

Add ingredients to mixing glass and stir. Pour over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist

For the decor:

Keep the decor simple with bud vases filled with red and white flowers – an ode to the derby red roses! Have derby themed food signs so your guests know what everything is on the buffet. Leather details, plaid napkins and gold or even silver accents make for simple derby decor.