Put on your biggest hat and shake those maracas, this weekend brings us both Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby and we are here for it all. This weekend celebrate the best of both world's by combining your Kentucky Derby party and Cinco de Mayo party into an epic fiesta. Grab a margarita or a mint julep and get this party started.
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Decorate your yard or living room with a mixture of both events. Place a sombrero on a fake horse, decorate a piñata with horseshoes or even sprinkle a mixture of horse and Mexican flag confetti on the tables. The more mixed up the decor, the better.
The Drinks
Salted Watermelon Agua Fresca
No Derby de Mayo (or Cinco de Derby) party would be complete without a refreshing agua fresca. This watermelon blended drink is topped with a hint of salt, making this beverage oh, so, irresistible. Add a shot of tequila when no one's looking to liven this non-alcoholic drink up.
Southside Rickey
An over-the-top Derby de Mayo party needs a special cocktail, and this Southside Rickey fits the bill. Served in a mason jar and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, this gin and topo chico cocktail is the perfect mixture between Kentucky and Mexico.
Big Batch Mint Julep
Did someone say, "Mint julep?" Sip on this classic horse racing cocktail while wearing your best hat. The recipe makes a big batch of the stuff, perfect for parties that go way into the night.
The Party Snacks
Chili Con Queso
Set out a big bowl of tortilla chips on the table and serve this Chili con Queso to guests as they arrive. We recommend making this dip right before the guests arrive and serving it as they are walking in the door. Muy delicioso!
Perfect Guacamole
This dip with "gauc" your world. Made with fresh avocados, red onion, cilantro and tomato, this guacamole will be the first thing to go on the table. If you like it hot ass in a jalapeño for good measure. They don't call it perfect guacamole for nothing.
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
You can't celebrate Derby Day without deviled eggs flavored with your favorite southern spread: pimento cheese. Make these fun and flavorful eggs the night before and you'll have one less chore to do during your Derby de Mayo party.
The Main Dishes
Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
Winner, winner chicken dinner! Crunchy without the fuss of deep frying, this Crispy Oven Fried Chicken is great served with a side of hot honey. You can brine this chicken overnight and pop in the oven about 30 minutes before guests arrive, making this a great party food.
Apple Chicken Salad
If fried chicken isn't your thing, this chicken salad sure will be. Served with a creamy mayonnaise and sour cream sauce, this salad is best served on crackers, in a lettuce cup, or even by the spoonful. Make this salad a day head to save some time the day-of.
Corn and Black Bean Quesadillas
Quesadillas are the quintessential Cinco de Mayo fiesta meal. Make up a quesadilla bar with all of your favorite fillings and fry the quesadillas to order. Everyone gets what they want and it's an interactive experience.
The Dessert
Slow Cooker Pecan Pie Bars
Not only are these bars made in the slow cooker, they can be made the day before and chilled for any party. Don your derby hats and take a bite of these delicious southern dessert bars.
Peanut Brittle
Dessert doesn't have to be a big affair. You can serve cut up fruit, some cheese and this peanut brittle to party guests to nibble on while cheering on their favorite jockey. The best part is this peanut brittle is made in the microwave, making this dessert super quick to whip up.
Dairy Free Coconut Tres Leche
If you've ever tastes a tres leche cake, you know there's a lot of milk. In fact, tres leche means "three milks" in Spanish. This dairy-free version uses coconut milk, cream of coconut and coconut cream, making this dessert perfect for lactose intolerant party-goers.
