Host a derby party with punch

McClatchy Tribune

WITH OR WITHOUT: Mint punch makes a refreshing alternative for your Kentucky Derby party and can be served virgin or spiked.

MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

For a certain breed of party animal, the first Saturday in May is one great excuse for a bash.

It’s Derby Day — Saturday this year — when horse racing, fancy hats, betting and mint juleps prevail (not necessarily in that order).

Churchill Downs, which has hosted the Derby since its inception in 1875, is offering party tips on its Web site, kentuckyderbyparty.com.

Some of the content is commercial (with brand-name sponsors and the like), and you also have to register.

If you can get past that, you’ll find recipes for classic and novel Derby fare (Kentucky hot browns, grilled peach salad with molasses vinaigrette), most notably from celeb chef Bobby Flay.

Here are two libations for your beverage menu:

DERBY MINT JULEP

This drink is from Levy Restaurants at Arlington Park (arlingtonpark.com), part of the Churchill Downs family, which will be open on Derby Day.

Combine 3 large mint sprigs, 1 teaspoon sugar and 1‚Ñ2 ounce Bourbon in an old-fashioned or rocks glass; muddle thoroughly. Fill with finely crushed ice; stir in 2 ounces Bourbon. Add more crushed ice as needed; garnish with mint sprig.

MINT PUNCH

This minty punch is adapted from “Kentucky Cooks: Favorite Recipes from Kentucky Living” (University of Kentucky Press, $24.95), by Linda Allison-Lewis.

It makes 2 nonalcoholic gallons, so it’s crowd- and family-friendly.

Wrap 1 bunch of fresh mint in cheesecloth; set aside. Combine 1 cup each water and sugar in a large saucepan; heat to a boil. Cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Place sugar syrup and mint in a large container; stir in 1 cup orange juice. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, remove mint. Pour into punch bowl. Add three (2-liter) bottles lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice; garnish with mint. To spike, add 1‚Ñ2 ounce Bourbon per glass.