Everyone knows that the mint julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, but those really in the know will tell you about the other Churchill Downs cocktail, the Oaks lily drink. Created for the Kentucky Oaks, the race typically held the Friday night before the Derby, the lily is a refreshing alternative to the mint julep. 

Want to know more about how the lily came to be and how you can make one of these delicious Kentucky Derby drinks at home? Read on for the basic recipe and some unique variations of Oaks Lily recipes and get your Oaks Lily supplies delivered in time for the Kentucky Derby from Cox’s Liquor through Drizly.

Oaks Lily Drink’s History

The Kentucky Derby is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May and the Kentucky Oaks is always the night before. The Oaks is a race for three-year-old thoroughbred fillies, which are female horses.

The track is decorated in shades of pink and the winner of the Oaks is adorned with a garland of pink stargazer lilies, called Lilies for the Fillies, which is where the drink got its name. The stargazer lily was picked as the official flower of the Oaks to represent femininity and strength.

Created in 2006 by Tim Laird, the chief entertaining officer for Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned wine and spirits company, the Lily is meant to be an alternative to the mint julep. Laird created it to give Oaks (and Derby) goers another option if they don’t like bourbon, which is the primary alcohol in a mint julep.

Since 2006, the Lily has become extremely popular at both the Oaks and the Derby. Light and refreshing, it’s perfect for a hot and sunny day and is an ideal cocktail to sip on all day. Based on the cosmopolitan, the drink is pink in color and matches the color of the stargazer lilies given to the race winner.

Want to make your own Lily at home? Here’s how. 

Oaks Lily Standard Recipe

It’s really quite simple to make an Oaks Lily cocktail. To make the basic drink, you need the following: 

• 1.25 oz of your favorite vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz sweet and sour mix
• Splash of triple sec
• Crushed ice 

To make the drink, add all of the ingredients (except for the garnishes) to a shaker with ice, shake until it is mixed well, strain, then serve in a glass over crushed ice. You can garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh blackberries. 

The official recipe calls for the drink to be served in an official Kentucky Oaks Lily glass, which is essentially a stemless wine glass, but if you don’t have those on hand, a Collins or highball glass will work too.

You can use whatever vodka you want, but if you really want the drink to be authentic, grab a bottle of Finlandia vodka, which is the official vodka of the 2020 Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Since you’ll be watching the Derby from home this year, use these drink recipes to make yourself a Kentucky Derby specialty drink to feel like you’re at the track! 

If you want to really go all out, throw a Kentucky Derby viewing party (with proper social distancing, of course!) and wow your friends and family with the Lily. 

Variations to the Oaks Lily Recipe

Unleash the creativity in your Oaks Lily cocktail with unique variations that add a twist to the classic recipe. While the foundation remains vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of citrus, these innovative twists bring new flavors to your glass.

1. Orange Citrus Delight
Replace the traditional sours mix, lime juice, and triple sec with the zesty combination of orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Elevate your garnish game by opting for an orange wedge and a cherry, offering a delightful burst of citrusy goodness.

2. Citrus-Infused Vodka Magic
Inject a burst of citrus flavor by experimenting with citrus-flavored vodka. Whether it’s the refreshing notes of orange or the zing of lemon, these variations promise a delicious deviation from the norm. Consider trying white cranberry juice, though beware, as it might alter the iconic pink hue of the drink. For a cranberry-focused experience, explore white cranberry vodka for a truly captivating twist.

3. Berry-licious Pink Perfection
For a play on flavors while maintaining the signature pink color, muddle in raspberries or strawberries. Swapping cranberry juice for berries introduces a touch of sweetness, balancing the tartness. The fusion of berries with lemon or lime juice remains a winning combination. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh raspberries and slices of succulent strawberries.

Dive into the world of Oaks Lily variations, where each sip becomes a unique and delightful experience. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous mixologist, these twists are sure to elevate your Oaks Lily enjoyment.

The Oaks Lily Drink: Sipping for a Cause

In support of cancer research, the Kentucky Oaks, dedicated to fillies (female horses), channels its impact through the Oaks Lily drink. With $1 from each Oaks Lily sold, contributions are directed to an organization committed to advancing cancer research. Beyond the charitable sips, the Oaks hosts a Survivor Parade to further raise awareness and celebrate those who have triumphed over cancer.

The Survivor Parade is made up of breast and ovarian cancer survivors who are nominated by their friends and family and voted on by the public. In 2020, 146 survivors will walk in the parade, to represent the 146th running of the Kentucky Oaks race. These women were selected to represent survivors 

Cheers, Y’all

Whether you’re heading to Churchill Downs this year or watching from home, an Oaks Lily drink should absolutely be on your agenda. Light and refreshing to sip on during the race and easy enough to make at home, the Lily is a cocktail you’ll enjoy all summer long. 

Swing by Cox’s Spirit Shoppe for all of the spirits and mixers you need to craft your own Lilies at home! We’ve got locations all over the greater Louisville area and have everything you need for cocktails in addition to craft beer and wine.