Hey, y'all! The Oaks Lily is one of Kentucky's signature cocktails, and there's nothing quite like sipping one on a warm spring afternoon. With its vibrant pink color, bright citrus flavor, and refreshing cranberry finish, it's a drink that's become just as much a part of Derby season as the horses themselves.
The Oaks Lily
The best part is that you don't have to wait for race day to enjoy one. This simple cocktail comes together in just a few minutes with a handful of ingredients and is just as fitting for backyard gatherings, brunches, or relaxing on the porch. Serve it over plenty of crushed ice with a few fresh blackberries, and you've got a drink that's every bit as beautiful as it is refreshing.
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The Oaks Lily Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce lemonade
- ¼ ounce Triple Sec
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- Crushed ice
- Fresh blackberries, for garnish
How To Make The Oaks Lily
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lemonade, Triple Sec, and cranberry juice.
- Shake well until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled.
- Fill an Oaks Lily glass (or any tall glass) with crushed ice.
- Strain the cocktail over the ice and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and serve immediately.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Use crushed ice to keep the cocktail extra cold without watering it down too quickly.
- Fresh lemonade gives the drink a brighter, more balanced flavor.
- Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder longer.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries for a polished presentation.
- Shake the cocktail well to fully blend the citrus and cranberry flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Oaks Lily is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks, traditionally made with vodka, cranberry juice, lemonade, and Triple Sec.
Yes. Mix the liquid ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate. Shake with ice just before serving.
Absolutely. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and keep the mixture chilled until ready to pour over ice.
Yes, but fresh lemonade provides the brightest flavor and balances the cranberry juice especially well. When I am in a rush, I use bottled myself!
Other Recipes You'll Love
Recipe
The Oaks Lily
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce lemonade
- ¼ ounce Triple Sec
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- Crushed ice
- Fresh blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lemonade, Triple Sec, and cranberry juice.
- Shake well until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled.
- Fill an Oaks Lily glass (or any tall glass) with crushed ice.
- Strain the cocktail over the ice and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use crushed ice to keep the cocktail extra cold without watering it down too quickly.
- Fresh lemonade gives the drink a brighter, more balanced flavor.
- Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder longer.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries for a polished presentation.
- Shake the cocktail well to fully blend the citrus and cranberry flavors.
Nutrition
Y'all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
Beth R says
I wanted to review this cocktail recipe but didn’t see where so I’ll add my comment here. We give this 10 stars! Seriously this drink was dangerously good. Easy to make a large batch and really refreshing. We had a derby party and not being a fan of bourbon I was trying to find something for me to enjoy. Saw on the morning news the Oaks official drink and went in search for a recipe. This is a drink I’ll be drinking all summer long. You reduce sugar using lighter or lower sugar juices and still be delicious.
Debra says
So fun....both the race and the drink! A winning combo.
Andréa says
I never heard of the oaks' lily nor of this signature drink. But this is a great opportunity to learn more about it. The recipe looks really delicious, so I'm sure I'm going to enjoy it! Cheers!
Stephanie Grillo says
Sorry - I couldn't wait until the derby to mix up this drink! It's was a wonderful cocktail to serve when my neighbors stopped over and I'm sure I'll make again soon.
Leslie says
I feel like this was made just for me! What a delightful, refreshing, and delicious cocktail recipe!
Janice Vranicar says
Do you use full on cranberry juice, or a "cranberry juice cocktail" (which has other juices mixed in)?
JCP says
You can use either, but I typically just use the cranberry juice cocktail!