How to Set Up an Old Fashioned Bar for a Kentucky Derby Party

Courier Journal shares tips for creating a festive cocktail experience for your Derby celebration.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:13am

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A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid pattern of a single, iconic Derby cocktail item such as a bourbon bottle or rocks glass, rendered in a bold, neon color palette with heavy black outlines to capture the festive energy of a Kentucky Derby party.A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration captures the interactive, customizable spirit of setting up an Old Fashioned bar for a Kentucky Derby celebration.Louisville Today

With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, the Courier Journal has released a video tutorial on how to set up an Old Fashioned bar for your Derby party. The video features two local experts, Kathryn and Kirby, who provide step-by-step guidance on curating the perfect bourbon-based cocktail experience for guests.

Why it matters

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most iconic annual sporting and cultural events in the United States, drawing thousands of attendees to Louisville each year. Setting up a well-stocked Old Fashioned bar is a classic way to celebrate the Derby's rich history and Kentucky's bourbon heritage, allowing guests to customize their drinks and get into the spirit of the festivities.

The details

The Courier Journal video covers essential elements of an Old Fashioned bar setup, including having the right glassware, garnishes, and high-quality bourbon on hand. Kathryn and Kirby also recommend pairing the cocktails with traditional Kentucky cuisine like hot browns and derby pie to complete the Derby experience.

  • The Kentucky Derby takes place annually on the first Saturday in May.
  • The Courier Journal video was published on April 13, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Derby.

The players

Kathryn

A local expert featured in the Courier Journal video providing tips on setting up an Old Fashioned bar for a Kentucky Derby party.

Kirby

A local expert featured in the Courier Journal video providing tips on setting up an Old Fashioned bar for a Kentucky Derby party.

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What they’re saying

“to take a step back and entertain and let your guests have an interactive element,”

— Kathryn

The takeaway

Creating a festive Old Fashioned bar is a great way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby's rich bourbon heritage and provide an interactive, customizable cocktail experience for guests at your Derby party.