Recipes for the Perfect Kentucky Derby Party

The Kentucky Derby, a horse race held every year on the first Saturday in May, has been a tradition in the United States since the first event was held in 1875 in Louisville, Ky. While it’s part of the Triple Crown, which includes the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, it’s the Derby that’s referred to as "the most exciting two minutes in sports."

It's also known as a great excuse for Americans to dress up in broad-brimmed hats — something they rarely get to do on this side of the pond — and consume Southern-style food and drink. Fried chicken, deviled eggs, pimento cheese, and, most importantly, mint juleps are usually all present during the pre-race parties, whether they’re consumed at a tailgate in Kentucky or a viewing party in California. To make your party planning easier this year, we've gathered our best Kentucky Derby recipes.

And they’re off!