Champagne and the Kentucky Derby: A Perfect Pairing of Luxury and Tradition

It’s horse racing season as May nears. Tens of millions of people all over the world prepare parties for the Kentucky Derby. As they anxiously check the results, they often sip a very particular drink. You probably know it: the mint julep.

While mint juleps are a Southern staple, particularly in Kentucky, there are other drinks worth your attention as you plan your party: Champagne.

We take a look at why Champagne could be the perfect beverage for your party.

First, Why Mint Juleps Have Long Been the Default

Before we move away from a tradition, it’s important to first understand that mint juleps have been served at the Kentucky Derby for decades. The reason is very much rooted in regional tradition. Mint juleps contain bourbon, which is the signature export of the Kentucky region.

If you go to Louisville for the Derby, you’ll see people sipping mint juleps at every turn. Many thousands are sold on site and at surrounding bars over the course of the weekend.

Here’s the thing: mint juleps are a relatively obscure drink in the grand scheme of things. Yes, there are about 120,000 served at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby weekend, but the mint-bourbon combination is described by many people as not being to everyone’s taste.

If you are throwing a party, you might set aside a small portion of the budget for mint juleps, if only to maintain tradition. However, if you can only choose one drink, might we recommend a more luxurious alternative: Champagne.

If you want to know more about the Derby, you can check the results here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/results/

Champagne Is Also Traditional

Did you know that the Kentucky Derby has more than one official drink? Well, if you were going to host a bar with 150,000 potential customers, you probably would too.

The official Champagne of Churchill Downs is GH Mumm. “Official” just means that they’re sponsoring the event this year. You can choose any Champagne you like for your Kentucky Derby experience, recognizing that it’s both enjoyable and consistent with the event’s traditions.

Champagne is a great celebratory drink, but it can also be introduced in the form of mixers, though sometimes less successfully. However you decide to use it, do so feeling fully justified in your decision.

Champagne Embodies the Luxury of the Event

There is a luxurious component to the Kentucky Derby that warrants consideration. The Derby itself is naturally extremely cost-prohibitive, at least to attend in person. Between tickets and accommodations, a weekend at Churchill Downs during Derby season can easily run you five figures. People who fly in on their private jets and stay at the best hotels, then proceed to their box seats, may easily spend six figures.

Then there’s the high fashion, the designer accessories, and so on. All totaled, the experience is, at least in person, rooted in luxury and indulgence.

Many people hosting parties try to capture some of that elegance, even if they’re doing so on a much smaller budget. They’ll have Kentucky Derby fashion shows, invest in slightly upmarket decor, and if they’re extra motivated, serve a drink that is associated with elegance.

Champagne is widely seen as a classy beverage, often used in the context of celebrations.

I’m on a Bit of a Budget, Is a Champagne Party Right for Me?

That’s a good question. Fancy can be fun. It can also be expensive. There is, after all, the saying of having Champagne taste on a beer budget.

In fact, a little bubbly doesn’t have to run you a lot, even if you’re buying it for an entire party. If you’d like to serve Champagne throughout the day, you can invest in a large quantity of cheaper bottles.

On the other hand, if you’re more interested in using Champagne to accentuate a high moment of celebration, possibly to toast the winners or just thank everyone for coming, you can invest in a few quality bottles and pour out a single glass for everyone in attendance.

There are so many different ways to buy and drink Champagne. It doesn’t have to be a privilege of the very rich.

Your Party, Your Way

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that the way you celebrate the Kentucky Derby is personal. Don’t go in based on what is expected. If the mint julep version of a Derby party doesn’t appeal to you, mix things up.

Serve Champagne, or, for that matter, serve Champagne to highlight your appreciation of and excitement for the event. It’s an iconic way to commemorate a celebration and one that certainly won’t produce any complaints from your friends.