Derby Sundaes with Chocolate Bourbon Sauce

One of my favorite times of year is early May. The days grow brighter, flowers begin to bloom, and the biggest day of horse racing arrives: the Kentucky Derby, the annual Run for the Roses. These Derby Sundaes with Chocolate-Bourbon Sauce are a delightful way to celebrate the occasion.

In 2016 I fulfilled a longtime dream and visited Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a perfect day with clear skies and great company—cousins, my nephew, and his then-fiancé. Walking the grounds and taking in the atmosphere made the whole experience unforgettable.

As we toured with our guide, I thought of my parents, who grew up nearby in southern Indiana and watched the race every year. My affection for the Derby comes honestly and I love passing the tradition on.

Next door to the track, The Derby Museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia and is well worth a visit. You enter through the same gates the horses use before each race—tall gates that reinforce how small jockeys and spectators look next to the thoroughbreds.

A highlight of the museum is an immersive film that puts you inside the world of high-stakes racing. Seated on swiveling stools in an oval room surrounded by screens, the film follows horses and jockeys through race day, culminating in footage that makes you feel surrounded by thundering hooves. It’s breathtaking.

To celebrate Derby Day with a twist on the classic Mint Julep, try these minty ice cream sundaes topped with a chocolate-bourbon sauce. They capture the spirit of the race day without the formal cocktail glass—rich, minty, and boozy in the right way.

I’m sharing a homemade chocolate-bourbon sauce that can be made ahead and is so good you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful. If you’re short on time, a store-bought fudge sauce mixed with a touch of bourbon works well. For a non-alcoholic version, use plain chocolate fudge sauce.

I seldom use corn syrup in baking, but for candies and sauces it has a clear benefit: it helps prevent sugar crystallization, keeping fudge, sauces, and caramels smooth. A little corn syrup ensures reliable texture in this chocolate-bourbon sauce.

This first Saturday in May, dress up, don your most festive hat, and serve these Derby Sundaes while you enjoy the pageantry. I’ll be cheering along with you!

Did you try this recipe? Tell me in the comments—I love hearing from readers!

Key Ingredients for Derby Sundaes with Chocolate-Bourbon Sauce:

• Granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, water, dark chocolate
• Bourbon (optional), salt, chocolate chip mint ice cream, fresh mint sprigs

PRO Tip:

If you want to make your own mint chocolate chip ice cream, try a trusted homemade recipe for the best, freshest flavor. Homemade ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm chocolate-bourbon sauce.

How to make Derby Sundaes with Chocolate-Bourbon Sauce:

1. Combine: In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar, corn syrup, cocoa powder, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Simmer: When boiling, reduce to medium-low and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Add chocolate and bourbon: Remove the pan from heat, add chopped dark chocolate, bourbon, and salt. Whisk constantly, return to a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce is smooth and thick, about 5 minutes.
4. Cool: Take off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools.
5. Assemble: Scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream into bowls, drizzle with the warm chocolate-bourbon sauce, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, and serve immediately.

PRO Tip:

Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, keeping sauces smooth. A small amount improves texture for fudges, caramels, and similar confections.

Recommended Tools:

• Dry and liquid measuring cups
• Medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Whisk
• Small ladle or sauce spoon
• Ice cream scoop
• Serving bowls

Gluten-Free Notes:

Distilled spirits, including bourbon, are generally considered gluten-free. However, some very sensitive individuals may react to additives like flavorings or colorings. For someone with severe sensitivity or Celiac disease, substitute potato vodka with a touch of brown sugar for bourbon, or omit alcohol and use plain chocolate sauce.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Derby Sundaes with Chocolate Bourbon Syrup (Gluten Free)

These minty ice cream sundaes take inspiration from the Mint Julep and finish with a warm chocolate-bourbon sauce for a festive Derby-day dessert.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Ingredients

Chocolate Bourbon Sauce

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup water
• 6 oz 70% dark chocolate, chopped finely
• 1/4 cup bourbon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp kosher or fine sea salt

Sundaes

• 1 gallon chocolate chip mint ice cream, store-bought or homemade
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate-Bourbon Sauce: In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, cocoa, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. When it reaches a full boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until it thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes.
2. With the pan off the heat, add the chopped chocolate, bourbon, and salt. Whisking constantly, return to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce is thick and smooth, about 5 more minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly; it will thicken as it cools.
4. The sauce can be made up to a week ahead. Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and rewarm before serving.
5. Assemble the Sundaes: Scoop mint ice cream into bowls, drizzle with sauce, garnish with fresh mint, and serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from The Heritage Cook

Notes

* Distilled spirits are generally considered gluten-free, but some people with severe sensitivities may react to additives. For those with celiac disease or strong sensitivities, use potato vodka and a little brown sugar in place of bourbon or omit the alcohol entirely and use plain chocolate sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 697Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 421mgCarbohydrates: 86gFiber: 4gSugar: 73gProtein: 10g

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Welcome! The suggestions here are not intended as medical or dietary advice. Unauthorized use or duplication of material from The Heritage Cook without permission is prohibited. This page may contain affiliate links. This post was first shared in April 2019 and updated in 2022.