Mint Julep-Inspired Desserts You Better Race Toward — and Fast

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

It’s off to the races this Friday at Churchill Downs for the 143rd annual Kentucky Derby. Though the race itself is only a matter of minutes, Derby fanatics turn it into the biggest party of the year. Right up there with finding the floppiest hat you can wear without tipping over is pinning down your viewing party menu.

We’ve got dessert covered on race day, with boozy and minty sweet treats inspired by the Southern cocktail favorite the mint julep. Trust us, even after the horses cross the finish line, you’ll find any excuse to down these refreshing, bourbon-spiked desserts.

MINT JULEP MILKSHAKE Food Network Kitchen Food Network Vanilla Ice Cream, Bourbon, MintFlavored Liqueur, Whipped Cream, Mint Leaves

MINT JULEP MILKSHAKE Food Network Kitchen Food Network Vanilla Ice Cream, Bourbon, MintFlavored Liqueur, Whipped Cream, Mint Leaves

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

One sip of these bourbon-y milkshakes is the surest way to get you in the spirit. This so-creamy blend of quality vanilla ice cream, minty liqueur and, obviously, bourbon is one so good you’ll know full well why bourbon and mint are meant to be together forever and ever.

MINT JULEP TRUFFLES Food Network Kitchen Food Network Semisweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, Bourbon, Peppermint Extract, Sugar, Mint Leaves

MINT JULEP TRUFFLES Food Network Kitchen Food Network Semisweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, Bourbon, Peppermint Extract, Sugar, Mint Leaves

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

These intensely chocolatey, boozed-up homemade truffles are absolutely trophy-worthy. And rolling them in fresh mint sugar — made simply by blending mint and sugar together in the food processor — gives each orb a delightful green hue and crunchy outside.

MINT JULEP GRANITA Food Network Kitchen Food Network Mint Leaves, Sugar, Bourbon

MINT JULEP GRANITA Food Network Kitchen Food Network Mint Leaves, Sugar, Bourbon

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

For something that doesn’t stray too far from the mint julep you’re used to slurping down, try this adults-only Mint Julep Granita — we’d gamble it’s even more refreshing than the classic. Scraping the surface of mint-steeped, bourbon-spiked ice creates a snowy texture that’s a delight piled into a frosted glass and garnished with a sprig of mint.

Plus, throw a Derby party like a true Kentucky native with Damaris Phillips’ tips for creating a true Louisville-style spread.

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