Louisville Chef Brings Kentucky Derby Spirit to At-Home Menus

Caroline Chambers shares recipes to recreate the Derby's festive atmosphere for home celebrations.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:14pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a repeating pattern of bright pink, blue, and yellow mint julep cocktail glasses, conceptually representing the celebratory atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby.Festive cocktails and Derby-inspired treats help home cooks bring the spirit of the Kentucky Derby into their own celebrations.Louisville Today

Ahead of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville-based cookbook author Caroline Chambers has released a new collection of recipes designed to help home cooks capture the spirit and flavors of the iconic horse race. Chambers' menu features Derby-themed cocktails, appetizers, and desserts that can be easily prepared for intimate gatherings.

Why it matters

The Kentucky Derby is a major cultural event in Louisville, drawing thousands of visitors each year. With the race's updated schedule and Churchill Downs' new partnership with Chambers, home chefs can now more easily bring the celebratory atmosphere of the Derby into their own homes, even if they can't attend the event in person.

The details

Chambers' Derby-inspired menu includes a mint julep cocktail, hot brown bites, derby pie bars, and other classic Kentucky fare. The recipes are designed to be simple enough for home cooks to prepare, while still evoking the festive vibe of the Kentucky Derby.

  • The 152nd Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 3, 2026.
  • Chambers' new Derby-themed recipes were released on April 7, 2026, ahead of the race.

The players

Caroline Chambers

A Louisville-based cookbook author who has partnered with Churchill Downs to develop a collection of at-home recipes celebrating the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs

The racetrack that hosts the annual Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Kentucky Derby is such a special time in Louisville, and I wanted to help people capture that festive spirit in their own homes, even if they can't make it to the track this year.”

— Caroline Chambers, Cookbook Author

What’s next

Chambers' Derby-themed recipes will be available on the Churchill Downs website and in select local bookstores starting April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

By partnering with a local celebrity chef, Churchill Downs is making it easier for Derby fans across the country to recreate the race's celebratory atmosphere in their own homes, ensuring the iconic event remains an accessible tradition even as schedules and attendance policies evolve.