It's Derby Baby: Bring the good ice -we have Juleps to make.

Being a Kentuckian we can brag about a few things. Fried Chicken. Bourbon. Disco Balls. (sooo many are made in Louisville in case you didn't know) And of course, Derby.

Our little corner of the world can often be met with ridicule and misunderstanding. But in Derby Season the Bluegrass reigns supreme. Stick around for our Triple Crown Celebration Circuit where we talk about some of our favorite recipes, traditions, and ways to celebrate in the Bluegrass and beyond.

It is the one time of year when the entire world looks at Kentucky and wishes they were here, those few weeks leading up to and the "the big show" that first Saturday in May. So whether you have plans to go all out this year or celebrate in something casual it is time to take a break and appreciate some incredible athletes, history - and if you feel overwhelmed by all of the prep "just for" the most exciting two minutes in sports we have your starting gate.

Raise your hand if you too spend life obsessing over logistics, color palettes, and creating the perfect guest experience-but when Derby season rolls around, there are two tried-and-true cocktails that are essential, without them are you event celebrating?

But Jessica, I'm not going to Churchill this year, I am doing something low key at the house / having a block party / sitting at home with my cat. I hear you, but with all due respect, it is simply not Derby without a julep-so let's make these classic little numbers!

We are trying to immolate the magic of Churchill Downs here folks. So this celebration season we are keeping it simple with two classics:

The Classic Mint Julep

The official drink of the Kentucky Derby is a historic masterpiece, and nothing cuts bourbon better than time. I love serving these in my traditional silver or pewter or silver Julep cups if hosting a small group of my nearest and dearest. If you too have a collection of antique silver julep cups that are too dear to hand over to your cousin's boyfriend's roommate, just pop on Amazon and grab this steel set. Pro tip: Run to Sonic, buy the ice. And pack that crushed ice high in the cup of choice. You want your cup to frost over like this is Arendelle.

All you need: Bourbon • Splash of Simple Syrup • A few sprigs of Fresh Mint • Good Ice

• Mint and Simple Syrup goes first. Muddle it in the bottom of the glass/cup - whatever you are drinking from.

• Add your bourbon of choice. We like Woodford around here.

• Pile in the ice. And make it pretty with a sprig of mint.

The Kentucky Oaks Lily

For the folks who want something fruity and refreshing, cue the official drink of Oaks Friday. The Oaks Lily is a pretty pink cocktail garnished with a lemon twist and blackberries. This this one is great to make ahead of time and here is the Official Recipe straight from Churchill itself! Ain't she pretty!

All you need: Vodka • Triple Sec • Sweet & Sour Mix • Cranberry Juice • Lemon Rind or Wedge • Blackberry

• 1 part Vodka

• 1 part Sweet and Sour Mix

• 1/4 part Triple Sec

• 3 parts Cranberry Juice

  Make as a batch, and then pour over ice and garnish when you are ready to serve.

  
  

And for folks who do not partake in alcohol but want to celebrate, swap spirits for alcohol-free options like Free Spirits. 

And since we are already planning our Triple Crown Celebration Circuit for 2027, let us know is there is anything on your list that is a must-try, must-do, must-serve that we can add to our list for next year! events@thegalerieky.com