A fruity, sweet and wonderfully tart cocktail, the Oaks Lily takes home the trophy for flavor.
Tonight’s cocktail can be described with only one word: exceptional! A tasty and mouth-watering elixir, the Oaks Lily is a combo of vodka and orange liqueur, mixed with cranberry and lemon juice. Tart, sweet, and with the perfect sour bite, this tipple not only refreshes, but also brings with it the excitement of a day at the races.
And I’m not talking about the Marx Brothers, either. By the way, if you’ve never seen the 1937 comedy A Day At The Races, you’re missing out. In fact, after you’ve gathered up all the ingredients to make today’s beverage, maybe throw that movie on. It won’t exactly be the Kentucky Derby, or the Kentucky Oaks that inspired this cocktail, but you won’t stop laughing. Groucho’s character bearing the name “Hackenbush” is worth the price of admission alone.
But this tipple didn’t come from Hollywood, but rather the race before the Kentucky Derby. As mentioned above, the Kentucky Oaks is the event that gave birth to the Oaks Lily. While the Derby is held on a Saturday, the Oaks is the day before, on the Friday. The winner is awarded a wreath of pink stargazer lilies, which is what the Oaks Lily is both named for and inspired by.
Crafted by Tim Laird in 2006 as an alternative for Derby patrons who might not enjoy the bourbon-based Juleps that are famously served there, the Oaks Lily has carved its own path at the world-famous races.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In An Oaks Lily?
Choose an unflavored wheat or potato vodka for the base of this cocktail. If you want a more citrus-forward finish on every sip, you can opt for a citron or orange-flavored spirit. A lemon-infused vodka will work nicely, too, melding in a sweet and sour fashion with the orange ingredient. As far as the latter is concerned, you can go with a dry curaçao or a bottle of Naranja orange liqueur.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Lemon wheel and blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a few blackberries.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?
You can best enjoy your Oaks Lily in a rocks glass filled with ice, with a lemon wheel garnish on the rim and blackberries on top.
CAN YOU SHAKE THIS COCKTAIL?
If you wish, yes. However, it is recommended to gently stir this cocktail instead, as the ice will release the right amount of dilution, whereas shaking this mixture will lessen its flavor and potency.
Similar Cocktails To The Oaks Lily
A grand day out at the races is always a memorable time. And in the 21st century, if you can’t make it to an event like the Kentucky Derby in person, things like livestreams can often give the rest of the world access that was unheard of years ago. If you’re throwing a viewing party, you’ll need the cocktails to go with it. Check out these recipes from Twist & Toast as you get ready for the next race.
- Belmont Jewel – The official beverage of the Belmont Stakes.
- Gin Mint Julep – A crisp and juniper-tinged take on the Kentucky classic.
- Kentucky Mule – Want something close to a Julep, but a little different? The Kentucky Mule can help.
- Disneyland Mint Julep – A delicious souvenir from The Happiest Place On Earth.
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