Denver hosts one of the largest Derby Day celebrations outside of Kentucky, and on May 2 Coloradans will be summoning up their inner Southerner in celebration of the 141st running of the horses.
Here are some special attractions and libations around town:
* Make it a Bluegrass-state special at Argyll Whisky Beer (1035 E. 17th Ave. - www.argylldenver.com) on May 2 by sipping on a Mint Julep – Arygll style. With Colorado’s own Breckinridge Bourbon and housemade lavender simple syrup and garnished with fresh mint, this is a Centennial state take on the southern classic for seven dollars.
* The largest free Kentucky Derby parties can be found at both locations of ViewHouse (2015 Market St. and 7101 S. Clinton St., Centennial – www.viewhouse.com). The first 100 guests enjoy free mint juleps or Stella Artois from 2 to 3 p.m. Mint Juleps are seven dollars all day, and Stellas can be had for five dollars from open to close. ViewHouse will be hosting games and giveaways, including the grand prize trip to the 2016 Derby – hotel, tickets and flights covered. Be there by 4 p.m. to catch the live stream, and don’t forget your best hat for the contest and break out those seersucker suits for the photo step and repeat.
* On Derby Day this year, Stout Street Social (1400 Stout St. – www.stoutstsocial.com/), with 12 TVs showing the big race, will offer traditional mint juleps for $6.95.
* The Cherry Cricket (2641 E. Second Ave. – www.cherrycricket.com) will serve mint juleps made with all Colorado ingredients including Downslope Bourbon for eight dollars.
* It may be the most exiting two minutes in sports, but once the Kentucky Derby is over you can still head up to Blackbelly Market (1606 Conestoga #3, Boulder - www.blackbelly.com) for a traditional mint julep from the fresh and casual bar in the East Boulder hotspot. For six dollars, indulge in one of Michael Cerretani’s icy creations, garnished with fresh mint.
* Humboldt Farm, Fish & Wine (1700 Humboldt St. – www.humboldtrestaurant.com) is jumping into the race with its own version of the traditional mint julep. Humboldt’s southern cocktail boasts Buffalo Trace bourbon, house-made simple syrup and fresh mint. Start the celebrating early with a patio Derby Kickoff at 11 a.m. and wear your best summery racetrack gear when you check in on Facebook for a complimentary Derby appetizer from the Kentucky-inspired fresh sheet. The patio will host Buck a Shuck Oysters until 3 p.m.
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