DIY Horse Drink Stirrers

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Giddy up! Make your own horse drink stirrers for the ultimate cocktail experience.

Are you tired of serving the same old cocktails to your guests? Want to add a touch of whimsy to your drinks that will leave a lasting impression? Look no further than DIY horse drink stirrers! These charming and easy-to-make additions to any drink are sure to delight guests at your next party or Kentucky derby celebration.

DIY Horse Drink Stirrer in copper glass cocktail.

In case you didn’t know, the Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race (that lasts about 2 minutes) at Churchill Downs. This event has birthed lots of traditions, including bright and colorful outfits, outlandish hats, and the mint julep. (You need to check out my recipe for Sweet Tea Mint Juleps. They are SO GOOD!)

I had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby several years ago and it was an amazing experience. That trip is what prompted me to make these diy horse drink stirrers!

DIY Horse Drink Stirrers | inspiredbycharm.com

While the mint julep is probably the most well-known derby drink, there are several other libations to help celebrate the event. I thought it’d be fun and fitting to create coordinating cocktail couture to embellish your derby drink of your choice. (If you’re looking for a delicious cocktail recipe, I have dozens. I pride myself on making unique, delicious, and easy cocktails. There’s something for everyone!)

I spotted some horse drink stirrers for sale online. Instead of buying a set, I decided to make my own version. Say hello to my DIY Horse Drink Stirrers.

giphy-1

Side note: If you like these drink stirrers, I made another type for Christmas using mini bottle brush trees. They are adorable!

Horse Drink Stirrers on a napkin.

Why You’ll Love This Project

  • They are so versatile! These stirrers can be used for any type of cocktail, from delicious margaritas to fruity sangrias.
  • They are easy to customize to fit any occasion, from a casual get-together to a sophisticated soiree. 
  • It’s a great way to get creative and unleash your inner DIY warrior. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a novice, this project is accessible to anyone with a little patience and a willingness to learn.

Other than a fresh sprig of mint, there’s nothing else I’d rather have in my glass while watching the race and cheering on the horses.

And as you might have guessed, they are simple to make. Let me show you.

DIY Horse Drink Stirrers | inspiredbycharm.com

Project Supplies

To get started on creating your own horse drink stirrers, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Luckily, this project requires only a few key items.

DIY Horse Drink Stirrers | inspiredbycharm.com

Project Instructions

I’ll walk you through the steps for making these horse drink stirrers below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Begin by drilling a hole in the bottom of your plastic horse. It’s best to use a grip or vise to hold the horse while drilling instead of just holding the horse in your hand. Safety first.
plastic horse and drink stirrers with a drill.
  1. You only need to drill about 1/4 of the way into the horse. That will be deep enough to secure the drink stirrer.
  1. With the horses drilled, coat them evenly with gold spray paint. (If you anticipate that the horse will come in contact with your drink, use a food safe spray paint.) I used this gold spray paint which is my favorite gold.
e6000 glue with  gold toy horses and clear drink stirrers.
  1. When the horses are dry, add a bit of E6000 glue to the top of your plastic drink stirrers and insert one into each of the pre-drilled holes.
adding a drink stirrers to a gold painted toy horse with a hole in the bottom.
  1. Allow the glue to dry completely, and your Horse Drink Stirrers are ready to go.
Horse Drink Stirrer on a napkin with a cocktail nearby.


Too perfect, right?

Naturally, you can use any combination of colors to create your stirrers. However, when I have the chance to paint something gold, you know I’m going to take it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse the stirrers?

Yes, you can! After using them in your cocktails, simply wash them with warm water and soap and let them dry before using them again.

Can I used a different animal other than horses?

Of course! Make them however you’d like. I think a pig would be so cute!

How do I store the stirrers?

Store them in a dry and cool place to prevent them from warping or cracking. A mason jar or airtight container works well for storage.

Horse Drink Stirrers on a napkin.

Even if you aren’t watching or celebrating the derby , these DIY drink stirrers can make any party a bit more fun. Get creative and use different animals like dinosaurs, unicorns, or cats.

Remember when I used mini plastic cats to decorate my cake-in-a-jar? That was SO MUCH FUN!

Horse Drink Stirrers on a napkin.

More Creative Craft Projects You Will Enjoy

I hope you give these diy drink stirrers try! If you do, be sure to pop back in and let me know what you think in the comment section below.

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DIY Horse Drink Stirrers

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Home Decor Craft
Cuisine: American
Keyword: drink stirrer, horse drink strirrer, Kentucky Derby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Instructions

  • Begin by drilling a hole in the bottom of your plastic horse. It’s best to use a grip or vise to hold the horse while drilling instead of just holding the horse in your hand. Safety first.
  • You only need to drill about 1/4 of the way into the horse. That will be deep enough to secure the drink stirrer.
  • With the horses drilled, coat them evenly with gold spray paint. (If you anticipate that the horse will come in contact with your drink, use a food safe spray paint.)
  • When the horses are dry, add a bit of E6000 glue to the top of your plastic drink stirrers and insert one into each of the pre-drilled holes.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely, and your Horse Drink Stirrers are ready to go.

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Recipe Rating




25 Comments

  1. Every time I tap on the gold paint that you used it takes me to Amazon and there is no gold option. Wondering if it is a matte or shiny? It’s been such a fun project and I really appreciate all of your great ideas… keep them coming! You are such an inspiration!

  2. Hi
    I have a question.. how did you support your horses when spray painting them??
    I just love ALL your ideas Michael!!! Your recipes are great too! I’m going to try your mint julep tea. Thank you for your time.
    Fondly, Evelyn

  3. I’m gathering the supplies that I need right now!! I still have the stirrers and glue left over from making your mini tree stirrers. Love them so much!!!! These horses are absolutely adorable!!

    1. YES! I used the spray paint recommended in this article, and a year later it *still* isn’t dry. The paint is still sticky and comes off when it touches anything. Love this project idea, but not sure what to do to get the paint to dry.

      1. That is so strange. I’m not sure why this would happen. I didn’t have any troubles with stickiness. Perhaps try a coat of primer. You could also try a topcoat. These are just solution ideas, I’m not 100% sure they will work. I’m so sorry you had troubles with you spray paint.

        xo Michael

    2. Yes. 2 years later the paint is still tacky. There was another crafter who did the same idea and used a different paint. I did not read any reviews. But definitely something to try. I am thinking about trying again this year. Thinking about washing the horses to get whatever coating is on it, off. And/or trying other paint.

  4. I made these last year and they were too adorable. However I didn’t use the spray paint you recommended and it reacted to the horses after a few weeks. Can you tell me what gold spray paint you used so I can recreate this year? The link will not link to the gold spray paint you used anymore.

    Thank you so much!

  5. I hope you enjoyed your trip to Derby (I know this was a couple of years ago, but I just now saw it). I live in Louisville and, of course, we’re gearing up for another huge Derby only days from now. If you’re ever back in town for Derby or anything else, let me know. My condo is listed on AirB&B, if you ever need a place to stay. Really enjoy your blog!

  6. Thank you for this reminder! I saw it when you first posted it and will take some time to make for this year’s derby. As a born and raised Kentuckian, I always look forward to Derby Day!

  7. The Derby was many months ago…but I just ran across this post as part of your 2016 round-up, so for me, it’s all new. Anyway…
    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea. Classy, whimsical, elegant, fun. It’s guaranteed to make any drink taste better. Plus, the gold means it can fancy up any cocktail bar! If I were at your party, I would most definitely slip one into my purse as a party souvenir. Well-done!
    xo, Lisa

  8. Those are absolutely adorable. I love the Kentucky Derby and will be front and center on my sofa watching. I think I might have to go to the $ store for some plastic horse. Great idea!