No Louisville this year? No problem.
Bring the thrill of the Kentucky Derby home and create your own unforgettable celebration, where Southern charm, spirited competition, and equestrian elegance come together in your own backyard.

Because the Derby isn’t just a race.
It’s a ritual.

Set the Scene: Southern Hospitality at the Gates

Available on Amazon

Welcome your guests with a sense of occasion. Think warm greetings, a hint of tradition, and just enough spectacle.

• Offer a signature welcome cocktail

• Set up a simple betting station

• Have scratch-off race cards ready for instant fun

This is where anticipation begins to build.

The Traditions That Make It Magic

Derby day is as much about style as it is the race. The tradition of the hat carries both elegance and play. A Win, Place, and Show contest offers a subtle way to honor it, while letting each look speak for itself.

Top your table with center pieces in red, black, and white décor for a timeless Derby palette. Think roses, ribbons, and just a touch of drama.

And a chance to win great prizes!

Exciting Party Game: Elevate your Derby Game celebration with these fun horse race scratch-off cards.

Available on Amazon

Place Your Bets

Create a casual betting system to get everyone involved.

• Printed race sheets or a screen with odds

• Small prizes for winners

• A little friendly competition

It’s less about winning and more about the energy of the race.

CBS Sports Best Bet

Delectable Derby Bites

Barngoddess Hot Brown Bites

A rich, savory nod to Kentucky tradition in perfect bite-sized form.

• Creamy, indulgent Mornay sauce

• Turkey and bacon for that classic Hot Brown flavor

• Perfectly portioned in crisp phyllo cups

These feel luxurious but approachable. Great for grazing between races.

Makes 60 appetizers

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/4 cup half-and-half

• 2/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano Cheese

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons white pepper

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 12 teaspoons ground nutmeg

• 2 cups diced roasted turkey breast

• 5 slices crispy-cooked bacon – crumbled

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

• 60 frozen phyllo cups

• chopped chives – for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 325℉.

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt your butter, then slowly whisk in flour to form a roux.

• Whisk in half-and-half, stirring constantly, until mixture simmers. It will begin to thicken quickly. Keep stirring!

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg to create the Mornay cheese sauce.

• Add in diced turkey and diced tomato. Stir to combine well.

• Place phyllo cups evenly on a baking sheet. Add filling to each cup. Top with bacon crumbles.

• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped chives.

Dark Horse Deviled Eggs

A playful twist on a Southern staple with bold flavor and texture.

Notes to highlight:

• Pimento cheese adds richness and regional flair

• Horseradish or Dijon gives a subtle kick

• Crushed dill chips on top = unexpected crunch

This is your “insider favorite” dish — slightly unexpected, highly addictive.

Makes 48 appetizers

INGREDIENTS

• 24 large eggs

• 2 cups pimento cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons dijon or horseradish mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• kosher salt and pepper

• 6 tablespoons freshly snipped chives or green onions

• diced pimento packed in water for garnish

• drop of water from a pimento jar

• dash of smoked paprika

• crushed dill potato chips for topping

• fresh parsley for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

• Boil and cool eggs

• Peel the eggs and place them on a paper towel. Slice them in half and gently remove the yolks.
  Place the egg yolks, pimento cheese, sour cream, mustard or horseradish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor.

• Blend until smooth, creamy, and mousse-like. If the mixture is too thick, you can drizzle in a drop of juice from the jar of diced pimentos. Stir in the chives or green onion. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.

• Scoop out the mixture and spoon it into the open egg whites.

• Top with diced pimentos, parsley, and crushed dill potato chips. Serve!
  

Delicious Derby Desserts

Barngoddess Berry Cups

Light, layered, and beautifully seasonal.

• Strawberries and cream

• Soft cake layers

• Served in mason jars for charm and ease

These feel fresh and celebratory without being heavy.

Makes 26 Desserts

Ingredients

• 3.25 pound strawberries

• 6.5 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 13 ounces heavy whipping cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 39 ounces angel food cake (or pound cake)

• 26 (8-ounce) mason jars

• 26 mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

• Remove stems from strawberries and slice into small pieces

• Place in a large mixing bowl, add sugar. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes.

• Slice the cake and cut into small bite-sized pieces; set aside.

• Add vanilla to the cream & whip

• Put a dollop of whipped cream in the bottom of each mason jar.

• Add a few cake pieces to each mason jar.

• Top with a spoonful or two of strawberry topping.

• Repeat with another layer of whipped cream, more cake and top again with strawberry topping.

• Finally, top off each jar with more whipped topping and additional strawberries, if desired

Mini Derby Pies

A bite-sized version of Kentucky’s iconic dessert.

• Chocolate, pecans, and bourbon

• Rich, slightly gooey filling

• Perfect with coffee or a nightcap

These anchor your dessert table with something deeply traditional.

Makes 48 Mini-pies

Ingredients

• 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts (4 pie crusts)

• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

• 48 pecan halves for topping pies

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup dark corn syrup

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup bourbon

• 4 large eggs

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 teaspoons cornmeal

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325° F. Lightly grease mini muffin pans.

• Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles of pie crust dough and place in the muffin pans. Spread pecans and chocolate evenly in the bottom of each pie shell.

• In a large saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, brown sugar, and bourbon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, cornmeal, vanilla, and salt. Gradually whisk about one-fourth of the hot corn syrup mixture into the egg mixture (this will help the eggs from solidifying). Transfer egg mixture to the large saucepan with the remaining hot mixture, whisking constantly.

• Pour two teaspoons of filling into prepared pie crusts, careful not to overfill. Fill about two-thirds full. Once filled, top each pie with a pecan half.

• Bake at 325° for approximately 25 minutes, or until the pies are set and the crust is golden. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove the pies and cool completely on a wire rack.

Superb Pairings

Round out your menu with classic Derby Day drinks like the Mint Julep (of course), or opt for an Equestrian Epicurean signature cocktail for a more elevated take.

Run for the Rosé

A bright, floral cocktail inspired by rose, layered with strawberry and citrus, and finished with sparkling rosé.

Serve in commemorative glasses or vintage-style barware to elevate the experience.

Available on Amazon

Jockey Julep

A considered pairing of two classics, blending the cherry-bright character of the Jockey Club with the cool, herbaceous ease of a Mint Julep.

Serve in the perfect souvenir glass!

Available on Amazon

And We’re Off!

- The Barngoddess

Maybe that is still de rigueur in some places, but here at The Equestrian Epicurean, we are a more refined approach.

This year, we are raising a glass to Irish whiskey and a collection of cocktails that feel just a bit more timeless, beginning with the Irish Blonde.

Irish Blonde

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Michael Collins blended Irish whiskey

• 3/4 ounce Grand Marnier

• 1/4 ounce fino sherry

• 1 dash Angostura Orange Bitters

• Garnish: flamed orange peel

Steps

1. Add the blended Irish whiskey, Grand Marnier, fino sherry, and Angostura bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.

Irish Maid

The refreshing Irish Maid traces its roots back to the Kentucky Maid, which uses bourbon as its base. Switch bourbon out for Irish whiskey, and voila…the Irish Maid!

Ingredients

• 2 slices of cucumber, cut into quarter-inch slices

• 2 ounces Jameson Irish whiskey

• 1/2 ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur

• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 3/4 ounce simple syrup

• Garnish: cucumber slice

Steps

1. Muddle the cucumber slices in a shaker.

2. Add the Irish whiskey, St-Germain, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

3. Fine-strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.

4. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Frisky Whiskey

Ingredients

• 1 ounce Irish whiskey

• 1 ounce Bärenjäger honey liqueur

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1/4 ounce simple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Steps

1. Add the Irish whiskey, Bärenjäger, orange juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

2. Double-strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.

Brotherhood

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Michael Collins blended Irish whiskey

• 3/4 ounce Benedictine

• 3/4 ounce Grand Marnier

• 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• Garnish: lemon peel

Steps

1. Add the Irish whiskey, Benedictine, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

3. Twist a swath of lemon peel over the top of the cocktail and drop it into the drink.

Tipperary

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey

• 1 ounce sweet vermouth

• 1/2 ounce Green Chartreuse

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Garnish: orange twist

Steps

1. Add the Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, green Chartreuse, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. Express the oils from an orange twist over the glass and discard.

Luck of the Irish

Ingredients

• 1 ounce single-malt Irish whiskey

• 1 ounce sweet vermouth

• 1 ounce green Chartreuse

Steps

1. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

Irish Coffee

The list wouldn’t be complete without it!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar

• Hot brewed coffee, to top

• Garnish: whipped cream

Steps

1. Fill an Irish Coffee mug with hot water, let sit for 2 minutes, then discard the water.

2. Add the whiskey and sugar to the heated glass, fill with the coffee, and stir.

3. Top with an inch of unsweetened, lightly whipped cream.

Irish Raktajino

Take it up a notch!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounce Irish whiskey

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• 2 ounces espresso (or cold-brew coffee)

• 2 ounces whole milk

• Garnish: smoked paprika

Steps

1. Add all the ingredients to a shaker with ice, then shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

2. Strain into a large snifter.

3. Dust a pinch of smoked paprika over the surface of the drink.

However you choose to celebrate, a well-made drink is always worth the extra effort.

Slainte!!

Janet Winters, Publisher

Step into the world of snow polo, where the thrill of the match meets the glamour of après festivities. Inspired by the St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup & the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship, this guide will help you recreate the luxurious ambiance of a snow polo match gathering in your own home.

Enjoy a 30-day free trial of the Equestrian Epicurean as our gift to you this holiday season!

Join the Epicurean Entourage!

Welcome!

From cozy cocktails to equestrian-inspired decor, it’s time to toast the winter season in style.

1. Setting the Scene: Snow Polo Chic

The Vibe: Upscale lodge meets equestrian charm.

Decor Ideas

Tablescape:

• Use antlers, pheasant feathers, and soft glowing candles.

• Add equestrian touches like miniature horse figurines, polo mallets, or leather accents.
  

Cozy Elements:

• Faux fur throws and velvet cushions.

• Warm lighting with lanterns or string lights

Entrance: Greet guests with champagne, and let the festivities begin.

Let’s Play Snow Polo Pong!

Rules & Gameplay

1. Standard Play

• Play as regular beer pong, but with the champagne coupes and a snowy theme

• Aim to bounce the orange (like the one used in snow polo) ping pong ball into the cups row

• The team drinks from their Snow Polo Spritz (recipe below) when a cup is sunk, and the water cup is removed.

2. Frozen Cup Rule

• If the ball lands in a frozen cup, it counts for 2 (freeze 4 cups ahead of time and replace them with new ones when your ready to play round 1)

3. Snowflake Re-rack

• Each team gets one re-rack (excluding the goal shot). Once you get down to 7 cups, you can rerack into a snowflake (aka the honeycomb)

4. The Mallet Goal Shot

• Once a team has only two cups left, they can activate the Mallet Goal Shot

• Rearrange the last two cups into a goal shape with space between them

• Instead of throwing, the team must use a mini polo mallet to hit the ball through the goal to win the game instantly

• Each team can only attempt this once

• Mini mallet https://www.amazon.com/12-Wooden-Polo-Mallet-Set/dp/B0CLWPKBCW
  

5. The Prize

• The winning team of each round is the team to beat. Once every team has been defeated, the ultimate winning team gets the prize

• Each player on the winning team gets a customized mini bottle of champagne

• Tie to the champagne bottles https://thetotalequestrian.com/products/tan-plaid-polo-mallet-gold-plated

For Your Equestrian Epicureans

The Snow Polo Spritz

Champagne • Pear • Amaro Nonino • Winter Elegance

A crisp, luxurious spritz inspired by the sophistication of snow polo: sparkling, wintery, and effortlessly chic.

Ingredients (per cocktail):

• 3 oz Champagne (brut/dry for crispness)

• 1 oz White Pear Juice (cloudy works too, but clear looks sleeker)

• 1 oz Amaro Nonino

• 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1 oz Sparkling Water (optional for a lighter, more spritz-y version)

• Ice (clear cubes or a single large cube preferred)

Garnish Options:

• Thin pear slice (minimalist and elegant)

• Thyme sprig (evokes snowy alpine branches)

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with clear ice or one large ice cube.

2. Add pear juice, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.

3. Stir gently to combine.

4. Top slowly with Champagne to preserve the bubbles.

5. Add a splash of sparkling water if you want a lighter spritz profile.

6. Garnish with a pear slice and/or thyme sprig.

Optional “Snow Upgrade” for Presentation

• Lightly mist the pear slice or thyme sprig with lemon juice and dip just the edge in superfine sugar to create a frosted snow effect.

• Serve in a chilled clear glass to mimic icy clarity.
  

  
  Hot Toddy Bar

Naughty & Nice Cinnamon Toddy

Set-Up

• Heat Sources: Use insulated carafes, tea dispensers, or slow cookers to keep the tea bases hot.

• Station Decor: Stick to a snow polo theme with silver-and-white accents, frosted greenery, and wooden trays for an upscale, wintry vibe.

Base Teas

1. Spiced Chai (bold and warming)

2. Earl Grey (classic and refined)

3. Rooibos Vanilla (caffeine-free, cozy)

4. Ginger-Lemon Herbal Tea (bright and zesty)

5. Smoky Lapsang Souchong (for adventurous guests)

Spirits

1. Whiskey (Bourbon, rye, or scotch)

2. Dark Rum

3. Brandy or Cognac

Sweeteners

• Honey

• Maple Syrup

• Date Syrup

• Agave Syrup

Citrus Options

• Lemon Slices

• Orange Slices

• Dried Citrus Wheels

Spices and Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sticks

• Star Anise

• Whole Cloves

• Fresh Ginger Slices

• Nutmeg (with a microplane for fresh grating)

• Dehydrated Apple Slices

Instructions for Guests

1. Choose Your Tea Base: Guests pour their preferred tea into a heatproof glass or mug.

2. Add Spirit: A bartender or guest adds their chosen spirit

3. Sweeten It: Guests stir in their favorite sweetener

4. Garnish: Top with a cinnamon stick, citrus slice, or star anise for flavor and presentation

Display Notes

• Display mugs so guests can serve themselves.

• Label the tea dispensers, carafes, and garnishes for clarity.

• Use tiered trays or wooden boards for garnishes and sweeteners.

• Provide mixing tools like spoons and honey dippers.

• Add elegant touches such as snowflakes, faux snow, frosted pinecones & greenery, small wooden sleds, or polo mallets to create a snow polo-inspired aesthetic.

Fondue Bar

Offer three types of fondue

1. Savory Cheese Fondue

2. Broth for Cooking Meats (Savory Hot Pot Style)

3. Decadent Chocolate Fondue

Each station is styled with white and silver serving ware, ski-lodge-inspired touches (wooden boards, mini sleds for serving trays), and snowy elements such as frosted greenery or faux snow.

Set-Up & Equipment

• Fondue Pots: Use electric or flame-fueled pots to maintain consistent heat.

• Small Plates: White porcelain or clear glass for an elegant touch.

• Skewers/Forks: Provide reusable stainless steel fondue forks or biodegradable wooden skewers (polo mallet skewers if possible).

• Theming: Add white faux fur or cozy fabric table runners for a wintery ski chalet vibe. Include small signs to label each fondue type.

• Serving Platters: Arrange dipping items on wooden charcuterie boards or mirrored trays for a refined look.

Cheese Fondue Station

Traditional Cheese Fondue

Ingredients

Fondue Cheese Mix

• 50% Gruyère

• 50% Emmental

• 1 cup dry white wine per pot (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)

• Garlic, nutmeg, and a splash of Kirsch (cherry brandy)

Dipping Items

1. Breads: Sourdough cubes, baguette slices, pretzel bites

2. Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cherry tomatoes

3. Proteins: Cubed ham, cocktail sausages

4. Extras: Apples, pears, roasted potatoes

Display Notes

• Arrange breads and vegetables in neat rows on wooden boards

• Serve in front of a small mountain-themed backdrop or a miniature wooden ski slope for fun

Meat Fondue Station

Classic Meat Fondue

Ingredients

Broth Base Options

• Beef stock with garlic, rosemary, and thyme

• Chicken stock with ginger and lemongrass

• Vegetarian broth with miso and scallions

Meats (pre-portioned for easy skewering)

• Red: Beef tenderloin or venison

• Poultry: Ostrich or chicken breast

• Seafood: Shrimp or scallops

• Vegan: Tofu or mushrooms

Sauces for Dipping

• Horseradish cream sauce

• Chimichurri

• Teriyaki glaze

• Dijon mustard sauce

• Garlic aioli

Display Notes

• Serve meats in labeled bowls over ice to keep fresh

• Include small burners with broth-filled fondue pots in front of a rustic wooden display

Chocolate Fondue Station

Chocolate Fondue Dessert

Ingredients

Chocolate Base

• Dark chocolate with heavy cream (classic and rich).

• Milk chocolate with hazelnut liqueur for a sweeter option

• White chocolate with vanilla or a splash of amaretto

Dipping Items

• Fruits: Strawberries, pineapple, banana slices, raspberries

• Baked Goods: Marshmallows, brownies, pound cake cubes, biscotti.

• Savory-Sweet Options: Pretzels, potato chips

• Other Treats: Coconut macaroons, Oreos, graham crackers

Display Notes

• Place fruit on tiered stands for height variation

• Use metallic or frosted bowls for marshmallows and baked goods
  

Crank up The Tunes With “The Greatest Winter Jazz Tunes” On Spotify!
…or hire a live band if your budget allows!


Be Creative & Have Fun!

If you’re in our neighborhood, you can attend the 35th Annual Ligonier Ice Fest! Over 50 ice sculptures! Grab a warm drink and admire the ice masterpieces around “The Diamond”.

-Rebecca & Janet Winters

10 Great Ideas For An Equestrian Touch

(click photos to purchase)

1. Great Your Guests With An Adorable Pair Of Ponies!

Horsey Door Decor

2. Set A Festive Table

3. Hang Up Your Stockings

4. Merry & Bright For Table, Mantle Or Tree!

5. Toast To Special Times!

6. Feature Your Favorite Breeds

Hello Pirate!

7. Party Pony Style

8. Fam Pajam..

9. Remember The Reason For The Season!

10. And to Wrap things up…

Remember to spread the joy and have a wonderful holiday season!

- Rebecca & Janet