Kentucky Derby Traditions and Culture: Food and Drink

A traditional Kentucky Derby meal isn't complete without Louisville Hot Browns and a Kentucky Derby Pie.
The Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich of turkey and bacon covered in Mornay sauce, baked until the bread is toasted and the sauce turns brown.
You can either make your own delicious Derby Pie with our recipe below, or cheat a bit by ordering one from the Derby Pie Company.
After you recover from throwing your wildly successful Derby Party, don your biggest sombrero and treat your friends to a Cinco de Mayo bash. Or, take it easy by dusting off your old picnic basket and preparing a feast to enjoy in your local park.


Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, you have to serve the official drink: Mint Julep. The cocktail consists of bourbon, mint and sugar syrup.
Traditionally served in a silver julep cup with a sprig of mint, Derby-goers buy it in a commemorative Kentucky Derby julep glasses.