The Oaks Lily: The Signature Drink of the Kentucky Oaks

Hey, y’all! One of the two most iconic drinks served at Churchill Downs is the Oaks Lily. The Lily, which is the signature drink of the Kentucky Oaks, is a crowd-favorite to say the least. While the Oaks occurs on the Friday before the Derby, the Lily is served all week at the track. Needless to say: this is a must-have at your Kentucky Derby Party. I’d even argue that it’s a must-have all summer long!

The Oaks Lily

JC’s note: The Oaks Lily can easily be mixed in large quantities for a party. Just multiply all ingredients by the same number for your desired batch size!

The Oaks Lily Cocktail

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Lemonade
• .25 oz Triple Sec
• 3 oz Cranberry Juice
• Blackberries for garnish
• Crushed Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

• Mix vodka, lemonade, triple sec, and cranberry juice together.
• Pour drink mixture into a Lily glass over crushed ice.
• Stir + garnish with blackberries.
• Enjoy!

About The Oaks

The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies (female horses) and is held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. The race is a $1.25 Million Grade 1 stakes race and the winning filly is awarded a garland of lilies, nicknamed “lilies for the fillies”. The Kentucky Oaks is the second highest attended race in the United States, only trailing the Triple Crown (the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes).

If you plan to attend the Kentucky Oaks, be sure to wear pink — it’s tradition in driving attention to the fight against breast and ovarian cancer. Oaks Day is always a special day at the track!

There are few cocktails that are easier to make, more beautiful, or more refreshing than the Oaks Lily — which is a win-win in my book! My version follows industry standard for the drink, as the classics need not be changed, y’all.

I know all at your Kentucky Derby Party will love this signature Kentucky cocktail!

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