Picture this: gentlemen and ladies donning their finest suits, dresses and hats, tossing back juleps and smoking cigars. That was the scene at prestigious New York restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, who played host to the best Kentucky Derby party in the city. Over 450 guests were in attendance on Saturday for the 5th annual celebration, co-hosted by Esquire Magazine in conjunction with Maker’s Mark. Passersby craned their necks to check out the fancy to-do, taking up both floors of the restaurant, as well as the outside patio…and boy did they look jealous. Attendees enjoyed live bluegrass music, a Nat Sherman cigar lounge, signature Maker’s Mark cocktails, and gourmet cuisine such as chicken and waffles, deviled eggs, crab claws and more. The Hat Lady was set up selling her one of a kind Derby hats to those not already dressed to the nines and a huge array of sweets and treats enticed attendees with goodies such as cotton candy, lollipops, and chocolates.
Additionally, the party held a silent auction which raised almost $10,000 for the New York Horse Rescue. For those who wanted to get more hands on, there was even a horse from NYHR outside that you could pet and feed. The classy fête also served up plenty of Moet & Chandon, had a fun photo opp, and all guests left with a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass dipped in Maker’s Mark red wax. With so much going on it seemed that the actual race was the least exciting two minutes of the party. No, we aren’t trying to make you jealous that you didn’t attend, we are just trying to get you psyched for next year’s party…we know we’re ready to reserve our tickets! Trust us, we wish the day had never ended.
But the party isn’t over! Below is a recipe for one of the great Maker’s Mark cocktails served at the celebration…whip one up at home!
Verazanno Cocktail
2 oz. Maker’s Mark
¾ oz. Cynar
¾ oz. Carpano punt e mes
Stir and strain into a mescal rinsed glass twist and discard a lemon peel.
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