Festivities start today with the Kentucky Oaks Day- a day
dedicated to the fillies (girl horses).
Fillies are allowed to run in the Kentucky Derby if they qualify, but the
Kentucky Oaks is strictly a “Ladies Day”.
The horses “Run for the Lilies” today. And keeping with that theme, the drink of today at Churchill
Downs is called the Lily.
Here’s how you can celebrate with a delicious Lily of your
own:
1oz. Vodka- Grey Goose is the sponsored Vodka for this drink
at Churchil Downs
1oz. Sweet & Sour Mix
3oz. Cranberry Juice
Splash of Triple Sec
All over crushed ice (I bought a bag from Sonic- they have
the best crushed ice!)
Garnish with some fruit- typically a lemon wedge and
blackberry
The more popular drink of Derby weekend is the Mint
Julep. This is such a
delicious and refreshing cocktail for bourbon lovers, like myself. The secret to a great mint julep is the
simple syrup. To make a simple
syrup boil equal parts sugar and water together for about 5 minutes (usually
about 2 cups, depending on the amount of drinks you’ll be making) with a few
mint leaves. Then add some more
fresh mint leaves and let cool, refrigerate over night.
It’s easiest to make each drink as you go by filling a cup
with crushed ice (I don’t know why crushed ice is best, but it is, just
take my word for it. Again, I buy
the bag from Sonic). Then
depending on how sweet you like your drink, pour about a tablespoon or a little
more of the simple syrup into the glass, topped off with your choice of bourbon,
stir, and add some more mint for garnish and extra flavor. Enjoy with friends while watching the
races!
Have you checked out the horses yet? Who's your pick to win?
