So, you are not going to the Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar? Don’t worry, you can still bring the Del Mar horse racing vibe to your home with a horse racing party. But what’s the recipe for a successful horse racing watch party?

Well, you have to recreate the exact atmosphere from such events. This means, fashion, food, drinks, and fast horses on your TV. Also, we should forget about Breeders’ Cup betting, since it is crucial for setting up the right vibe.

But if you’ve never hosted a horse racing watch party, you might be confused about how to organize it. Don’t worry, it isn’t that complicated. You need to pay attention to a few things.

When it comes to food, you either go with traditional dishes served at the event, or dishes that are common in the region where the race is organized. In other words, it is best to serve things that you’d probably eat if you bought a ticket to the Breeders’ Cup.

Also, don’t forget about the cocktails. There is no party without a bit of alcohol, right?

Let’s highlight the basics and a few key recipes for this year’s Breeders’ Cup.

Why Is the Food So Important for Breeders’ Cup Parties?

As you know, horse racing is a social event. Races usually last around two minutes, but chit-chat, business plans, networking, and talks about the winning horse are the things that matter. Now, if you want to set the right vibe, you cannot expect people to act like they are at a horse racing event with a bag of chips on the table and some draft beer.

You need some sophistication, and traditional dishes, that will make your guests go “WOW”!

It’s a tradition at horse racing events to serve foods that are flavorful, shareable, and easy to enjoy with a cold drink in hand. 

Start with the Drinks: The Torrie Cup and The Garland

No party is complete without signature drinks, especially for an event as classy as the Breeders’ Cup. The Torrie Cup and The Garland are crowd-pleasers designed for batching—so you can spend more time enjoying the races and less time shaking cocktails like a stressed-out bartender.

  • The Torrie Cup features a bourbon-forward flavor with orange juice and lemonade for a citrusy punch. A touch of sweet vermouth balances everything out. This one scream refreshing, and bonus points for serving it in a fancy goblet for those high-end vibes.
  • The Garland is perfect for vodka lovers. A mix of Tito’s vodka, Triple Sec, honey-green tea, and lemon juice creates a light, zesty cocktail with a floral twist when garnished with edible purple flowers. Both these drinks bring a little elegance to your party without making things complicated​.

Sweet Treats

Caramel Cashew Cupcakes

Desserts are non-negotiable at any good party. And for a Breeders’ Cup theme, why not whip up some Caramel Cashew Cupcakes? These sweet treats were a hit on Cupcake Wars during the Breeders’ Cup edition. They’re rich, nutty, and caramel-y, everything you want in a cupcake, really​.

If cupcakes feel too ambitious, no shame in picking up some bakery goods or keeping it as simple as ice cream with fun toppings.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Speaking of dessert, a chocolate bourbon pecan pie will blow everyone away. Pecan pie is already a hit, but adding bourbon and chocolate? That’s just next-level indulgence. It’s a rich dessert that will leave your guests talking long after the races are over.

Must-Try Del Mar-Inspired Recipes

To help you throw a Breeders’ Cup party worthy of Del Mar, we’ve pulled together some winning recipes. These dishes not only offer a nod to local flavors but also keep it festive. Check them out:

1. Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Fish tacos are basically a staple at any Southern California gathering, and they’ll bring that coastal vibe to your Breeders’ Cup celebration. Think grilled fish (Mahi-Mahi or Halibut), topped with tangy cilantro lime slaw and served in soft corn tortillas. Easy to make in bulk and perfect for munching while watching the race.

2. Lobster Rolls

Why not? Del Mar parties deserve something decadent, and nothing says coastal luxury like a good lobster roll. Serve them mini-sized, New England-style, with toasted, buttery buns filled with chilled lobster meat tossed in mayo and a hint of lemon. A quick tip: be generous with the butter on the buns for an added crunch.

3. Shrimp Cocktail

A classic Breeders’ Cup favorite, the shrimp cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser. Pile chilled shrimp high on ice with tangy cocktail sauce on the side. It’s refreshing, elegant, and requires minimal effort—a perfect snack between races.

4. Breeders’ Cup Bourbon Balls

Let’s bring in a bit of Kentucky, the birthplace of horse racing tradition, with some bourbon-infused treats. Bourbon balls are rich, chocolatey, and have just enough kick to keep the festivities rolling. Plus, they’re bite-sized, so your guests can pop them in their mouths while glued to the screen.

Traditional Breeders’ Cup Fare

Aside from the local Del Mar cuisine, some dishes just scream Breeders’ Cup. Here’s a roundup of traditional eats that have been served at races for decades:

1. Hot Brown Sliders

This is a Kentucky Derby favorite that has found its way into Breeders’ Cup celebrations. Think open-faced turkey sandwiches smothered in Mornay sauce, with a twist—serve them as sliders to keep things party-friendly.

2. Mini Beef Wellington

This classic, sophisticated dish is perfect for a horse racing event. Mini beef Wellingtons are bite-sized and elegant, combining a savory puff pastry with tender beef and mushroom duxelles. They’re the perfect match for a fancy race day.