Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap in Ft. Lauderdale will host the largest Kentucky Derby party in South Florida on May 7, teaming with Makers Mark to give away thousands of dollars in prizes and release three limited-edition house-made whiskeys. Batch opens at 11:00 a.m., and the party continues until the race at 7:00 p.m. and beyond. Guests are encouraged to show up in their best Derby attire and compete for best dressed.

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Batch will have a slew of big-screen projection TVs set up in its bright outside terrace and indoor bar, where the entire day's racing program will be televised live. Those who dress up for the occasion can compete in contests for best dressed, best hat, and other categories, with over $1,000 in prizes up for grabs. Guests can also try to predict the Derby trifecta - the first, second, and third place horses – and if they do, Batch will give them a $1,000 gift card.

“We wanted to make this super interactive and fun. It’s a zero-investment bet,” said Batch Founder and CEO Kevin Danilo. “Churchill Downs can’t even beat that.”

The official debut of three new unique house-infused whiskeys - Classic Mint Julep, Watermelon Mint Julep, and Chocolate Mint Julep - will also occur at this year's Derby festivities. Guests will be able to enjoy cocktails and bottles to take home.

“We’re really excited about these new infusions, it’s an awesome collaboration between ourselves and Maker’s Mark, and part of the proceeds will benefit our favorite charity, Patches PPEC, which supports medically complex children whose families don’t have the means to afford the necessary care,” Danilo said.

Batch New Southern Kitchen, located in Ft. Lauderdale's bustling Flagler Village, serves fresh, locally-sourced Southern cuisine and an extensive whiskey and specialty cocktail menu. Inside or on the sunny patio, guests may indulge in lavish dinners or languid weekend breakfasts while enjoying Ft. Lauderdale's most fantastic southern cuisine.

The restaurant's menu includes everything from house-smoked burnt ends to chicken and waffles and Batch's famous burger and mac & cheese, consistently ranked among the best in South Florida. Thanks to weekly Happy Hour promotions, it's a social hub for locals and a friendly location for guests. Batch New Southern Kitchen in Ft. Lauderdale serves lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday and brunch on weekends.

Batch’s regular Sunday brunch menu will also be available, alongside special Derby-themed entrees. Large crowds are expected, so guests are encouraged to reserve a table in advance on the website, or by calling 754.757.0000. The restaurant is located at 525 N. Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale.