Celebrate Kentucky Derby Season with the Kentucky Oaks Lily
While the Kentucky Derby hosts the best in 3-year-old thoroughbreds, the Kentucky Oaks race is America’s top race for 3-year-old fillies (young female horses) and has thus adopted its own set of traditions and celebratory customs. One being its dedication to raising awareness for breast cancer research, with an inspiring “Kentucky Oaks Survivor’s Parade” held before the call to the post. Oaks Day is now a sea of pink, with everyone planning their attire, hats, and even socks to match the Pink Out theme.
Similarly, as the Kentucky Derby is informally known as “The Run for the Roses,” the Kentucky Oaks has its own designated flower, with the “Lilies for Fillies” garland being awarded to the winner. Just as the lily has become the symbol for the Oaks, it is also the signature drink for Oaks Day.
After all, it wouldn’t exactly be a Kentucky Derby festivity without its own signature drink. Just as the iconic Mint Julep awaits its moment to shine on Derby Day, the day before is all about the Oaks Lily. A sweet, vibrant, and festive cocktail with vodka, cranberry juice, and juicy citrus flavor, the Oaks Lily is delicious, vivid, and naturally, bright pink!
With our own traditional version of a Pappy Mint Julep, we decided to make our own Oaks Lily with the complementary sweet and sour citrus and smoked honey flavor of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Kentucky Sour Mixer.
Infused with hints of wildflower honey that has been slowly smoked over retired Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrel-staves, for a signature smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with sweet and sour citrus, it is an ideal accompaniment to the tart and subtly sweet cranberry juice. Celebrate Kentucky Derby weekend with cocktails inspired by the colors, flavors, traditions, and festive flair of this iconic celebration.
