Derby Day Spirit

Channel the spirit of Kentucky on Derby Day with mint juleps and more at these 5 festive parties in Palm Beach County

If there’s a reason to celebrate and party, South Floridians will partake—and Derby weekend is as good a reason as any to have a good time. We may be 1,000 miles from Louisville, but there are plenty of local places to watch the big race and sip on a mint julep or two.

So what’s the deal with the mint julep? The refreshing cocktail has symbolized Southern hospitality since the 19th century, becoming the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1939. While some folks make it with rum, Churchill Downs sticks to the bourbon-based recipe (this is the home state of bourbon, after all). What’s in the official Derby julep: 2 ounces of Woodford Reserve bourbon, .5 ounces of mint, and crushed ice. It doesn’t get any simpler than that, huh?

If you’re looking for a festive place to cheer on your favorite horse and cool down with some juleps, here are some ideas in Palm Beach County:

SALTBIRD | Jupiter
Saltbird his hosting a Derby watch party on May 2 featuring $12 mint juleps (made with Woodford Reserve). Plus, their extended happy hour menu will be available from 4 p.m. until the end of the race, and there will be a live bluegrass band 4 to 7 p.m. Don’t forget your fancy hat: The “best dressed” guest will win a $100 Saltbird gift card.

THE BELGROVE | West Palm Beach
It’s going to be HOT this weekend, making the poolside party at The Belgrove sound really enticing. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hotel’s Derby Day Soiree will feature Southern bites like shrimp & grits, and tea & sandwiches, plus mint juleps and other Derby-inspired cocktails (like the Kentucky Mule) for $15 each. Champagne and caviar will also be available for $23.

THE TWISTED TUNA | Jupiter
The party starts at 4 p.m. so you’ll have at least a couple of hours to get your julep on before the race starts at 6:50. Aside from classic mint juleps. The Tuna will be serving bubbly and Derby-inspired cocktails like the Bourbon Peach Smash (which sounds incredible to me). There will be contests, so dress your best and be ready to place your bets. Check out the details on Facebook here.

BATCH | Delay Beach and West Palm Beach
Batch is a “Southern kitchen,” so you’d better believe they’re throwing a Derby bash. From 3 to 8 p.m., enjoy mint juleps (made with Maker’s Mark) and more, with live music starting at 4 p.m. If you RSVP before the event, you’ll get a complimentary julep as long as you arrive before 5. And if you’re the betting kind, pick the trifecta and win a $1,000 Batch gift card.

THE BREAKERS | Palm Beach
Looking for a more laid-back spot serving juleps to watch the race? Head to one of The Breakers’ upscale restaurants. Seafood Bar, HMF, and Henry’s Palm Beach are all serving featured Derby cocktails on race day. Bonus at HMF: You can order tableside from the “mint julep cart” that will be circling the bar.