A Brief History of the Kentucky Oaks Lily

The Kentucky Oaks is a race for three-year-old thoroughbred fillies and is held annually the day before the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs is decked out in pink for the occasion, and the winner is awarded a garland of pink stargazer lilies, known as “Lilies for the Fillies.”

Inspired by this tradition, the Oaks Lily cocktail was created in 2006 by Tim Laird, Chief Entertaining Officer for Brown-Forman. It was designed as a light, fruity alternative to the bourbon-forward mint julep — especially for those who prefer vodka-based drinks. Since then, the Lily has become a staple at both the Oaks and Derby events, thanks to its crisp, crowd-pleasing flavor.

How to Make an Oaks Lily Drink (Classic Recipe)

To make an authentic Oaks Lily drink, you’ll need:

• 1.25 oz vodka (we recommend Finlandia, the official vodka of past Derby seasons)
  
  

• 3 oz cranberry juice
  
  

• 1 oz sweet and sour mix
  
  

• 1 oz lime juice
  
  

• Splash of triple sec
  
  

• Crushed ice
  
  

• Lemon wedge and blackberries for garnish
  
  

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a stemless wine glass or highball filled with crushed ice, and garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh blackberries. Bonus points if you serve it in an official Kentucky Oaks Lily glass!

Recipe Variations to Try

Once you know how to make an Oaks Lily drink the traditional way, it’s easy to customize:

• Swap sweet and sour mix and lime juice for fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
  
  

• Use citrus-flavored vodkas like orange or lemon to add brightness.
  
  

• Try white cranberry juice or white cranberry vodka for a lighter twist (though you’ll lose the signature pink color).
  
  

• Add muddled strawberries or raspberries for a berry-forward flavor and fresh pink hue.
  
  

For garnishes, try orange wedges, cherries, or even mint sprigs if you're feeling festive.

A Drink That Gives Back

Each year, $1 from every Oaks Lily sold goes to organizations supporting breast and ovarian cancer research. The Kentucky Oaks also hosts a Survivor Parade to honor women who’ve battled cancer. The 17th Survivors Parade will be presented on Friday, May 2, 2025, and will honor 150 survivors — a meaningful reminder of the event’s deeper purpose.

Cheers, Y’all

Whether you’re heading to Churchill Downs or celebrating from your backyard, knowing how to make an Oaks Lily drink means you’re ready for Oaks Day. Light, refreshing, and easy to make, it’s a go-to cocktail for Derby parties — and a great signature drink for the season.

Stop by Cox’s Spirit Shoppe to stock up on everything you need for your Oaks Lily cocktails, from vodka and mixers to fresh garnishes. With locations across Greater Louisville, we’ve got your Derby Day covered.

Shop Vodka and Mixers for Derby Weekend