Though we couldn't tell you when the race is or what horses are running, we can give you our roundup for a food and drink Trifecta. Here's where to celebrate the madness in San Francisco:
Derby Days
Where: Hog and Rocks, 3431 19th St. (at San Carlos), 550-862
When: Now through June 1
Cost: $16 whiskey flight; $12 bourbon shrimp
The rundown: Even if you missed the BlackboardEats passcode, you can still enjoy the American whiskey specials at chef Scott Youkilis' casual Mission joint. The whiskey flight features Elijah Craig 12-year Corn Bourbon, Rittenhouse 100 proof Rye, and Bernheim Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey. To compliment the whiskey, grab a plate of shrimp with Old Forrester Bourbon sauce on Carolina rice cakes.
Hats & Horses Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
Where: The Parlor, 2801 Leavenworth (at Beach), 775-5110
When: Sat., May 7, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $10 suggested donation at the door. You must RSVP.
The rundown: 944 Magazine and the United States Bartender Guild (USBG) are hosting a Kentucky Derby viewing party and fundraiser. Basil Hayden mint juleps will be featured at the bar, and David Nepove ― the newly appointed director of mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits of California ― will lead demonstrations in how to make them. A hosted brunch, chocolate bourbon truffles, and live Derby broadcast make this the best reason to bust out your wildest hat.
Kentucky Derby at Quince
Where: Quince, 470 Pacific (at Montgomery), 775-8500
When: Sat., Apr. 23, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $12-$14 per cocktail
The rundown: If your idea of Derby fun is more Millionaire's Row than general admission, Quince's bar manager Jason "Buffalo" LoGrasso is paying tribute to Churchill Downs with six cocktails each featuring a different whiskey:
•Classic mint julep: Weller William Larue Weller 12-year-old Bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice
•Derby: Buffalo Trace bourbon, Benedictine, and bitters
•Horse's Neck: Rittenhouse Rye, ginger ale, and bitters
•Pendennis Cocktail: Michter's 10-year whiskey, apricot brandy, lime juice, and Peychaud's bitters
•Seelbech: Black Maple Hill bourbon, Cointreau, Angostura bitters, Peychaud's bitters, and sparkling wine
•Million-Dollar Filly: an original cocktail featuring Johnny Drum "Private Stock" 101-proof bourbon, lemon juice, egg whites, and apricot brandy ― it'll make you feel like a stud.
Lou Bustamante tweets at @thevillagedrunk. Follow SFoodie at @sfoodie, and like us on Facebook.
