Best Kentucky Derby Drinking Game Ideas

By: Enrika M. | Posted in: Drinking Games | Published: 3/19/2024

We can all feel the buzz from the Kentucky Derby even though there are weeks before the event. The ultimate goal for every horse racing enthusiast is to go to Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby.

However for most of us this is out of reach First of all people living in a different corner of the world would need a lot of money only to get there Not to mention the highpriced tickets for the event that will put a dent in your wallet

So the next best option is to watch it at home But even though you cannot witness the Kentucky Derby party you can always bring the Kentucky Derby party to your home

How Well first of all send invitations to a bunch of your friends along with a dress code This is a class event and we wouldnt want someone showing up in their trainers Next make some cocktails and snacks and it is time to create some drinking games

1. The Classic Derby Drinking Game

Start with the basics a game thats as simple as sipping your drink whenever specific Derbycentric events occur

Spot a man in an outrageous hat Take three drinks Hear My Old Kentucky Home Thats a drink as welland if you know the lyrics take another for good measure Picked the winner Celebrate with a mint julep

This game is a nod to tradition with a twist of modern fun ensuring everyones spirits are as high as the stakes

2. DIY Horse Racing

Why not bring the thrill of the race directly into your living room Create your own horse racing game with a DIY flair It could be as simple as racing toy horses across a homemade track

If you dont have toys there is another way to organize a racing event in your home Weve got the toilet paper race Grab some toilet paper 23 rolls Roll them out on the table without tearing them and place a glass filled with alcohol or water just so we dont waste alcohol up to the very edge

Each person gets a toilet paper with a drink at the end of it The goal here is to bring the drink to him without spilling it If the person goes too fast the drink will spill breaking the toilet paper

The last places in the race should drink

Incorporating betting into the mix can raise the stakes and excitement levels mimicking the Derbys own gambling spirit

This game is as intense as the race itself It requires control patience and average speed rather than going all in

3. Derby Hat Contest

No Kentucky Derby party is complete without an array of flamboyant hats Encourage your guests to wear their most outlandish hats and hold a contest

The winner could receive a special drink perhaps a larger or more elaborately decorated mint julep in true Derby fashion

4. Horseshoe Toss

Take the party outside with a game of horseshoes Its a nod to the equestrian theme of the day and a perfect way to engage guests of all ages in some friendly competition

You only need a pole sticking out of the ground and a few horseshoes The person who doesnt manage to toss the horseshoe to the poll is drinking It is a social game where you can talk more about betting tips that youve seen on TwinSpires: twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/best-bets/

Plus its an excuse to enjoy the spring weather just like at Churchill Downs

5. Mint Julep Mastery

Given that the mint julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby why not turn its preparation into a game

Have a mint julep mixoff where guests compete to create their version of the classic cocktail Judges or perhaps a crowd vote can determine which mixologist takes the crown based on taste presentation and creativity

6. Derby Trivia

Test your guests knowledge with a round of Kentucky Derby trivia Questions can range from the history of the event past winners famous horses and Derby traditions Offer mint juleps or other prizes for correct answers turning it into a boozy educational experience

The Kentucky Derby is rich with tradition and there are plenty of questions that can be asked Here are some examples

Who was the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby
What is the record time for the fastest Kentucky Derby ever run and which horse set this record
Which horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1973 and went on to win the Triple Crown
Before the Kentucky Derby became the first leg of the Triple Crown what was the original order of the Triple Crown races

7. TV Drinking Game

As the race approaches its time to gather around the TV and put those Mint Juleps to good use Heres where the fun really starts Take a sip every time a horse is mentioned two sips for celebrity sightings and finish your drink if someone quotes My Old Kentucky Home

For those who pick the winning horse celebrate with an extra Mint Julep And if youre feeling lucky and hit the superfecta well maybe its time to consider a career change