RECIPE: THE OAKS LILY COCKTAIL

The Kentucky Derby is more than one horse race and more than one signature cocktail. Everyone knows that Mint Juleps are served on Derby Day but you may not know that on Friday before the Derby, the fillies race in The Oaks Derby. Everything is fluffy and pink to match the blanket made from Stargazer lilies that is draped over the winner… including the signature cocktail, the Oaks Lily. It is similar to a Cosmopolitan but served over ice.

THE OAKS LILY COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

3 ounces cranberry juice

1 1/2 ounces vodka

1 ounce sweet and sour mix

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

Blackberry

Lemon wedge

DIRECTIONS:

Add all ingredients to a glass and stir to combine. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with a blackberry and a lemon wedge.

RECIPE: MAKE A PIMM'S CUP THE PERFECT WARM WEATHER COCKTAIL

PIMM’S CUP COCKTAIL
A Pimm’s Cup is my absolute favorite warm weather cocktail. I have a lot of memories tied to it too. I spent some summers in England.and there were always Pimm’s Cups served at British summer sporting events like polo, racing, and Wimbledon. Pimm’s Cup #1 is a gin based spirit with some fruity undertones which is why it makes the perfect light, summery drink.

Here’s my recipe for summer’s most refreshing cocktail:

Makes 1

INGREDIENTS
In a highball glass add:
2 ounces Pimm's No. 1 Cup liqueur to the good ice ( Sonic sells it by the bag if you don’t have a crushed ice maker)
Top with 3-4 ounces lemon lime soda (sometimes I use ginger ale)

Garnish with:
1 cucumber slice
1 lemon wedge
2 sprigs mint

RECIPE: POMEGRANATE RASPBERRY CHRISTMAS PUNCH

Growing up, we always had a sherbet punch for holidays and birthdays. It was simple. The only ingredients were orange or lime sherbet and chilled ginger ale, but it was served in a punchbowl making it seem so elegant. Here’s an updated, boozy version of that old school holiday favorite, make fresh and new with raspberry and rosemary.

 POMEGRANATE RASPBERRY CHRISTMAS PUNCH

INGREDIENTS

2 cups pomegranate juice

1 quart white cranberry juice

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups Chambord liqueur

1 (750 ml) bottle raspberry vodka

3-4 pints raspberry sorbet or sherbet

2-3 quarts ginger ale, chilled

5 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 cups frozen raspberries for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the first five ingredients in a large container. Chill thoroughly, at least 2 hours. Just before serving, pour into a punchbowl. Add 2 bottles ginger ale or add more to your taste. Scoop large scoops of the sorbet until you have enough to fill the surface. Save some sorbet and ginger ale to add in as it melts. Add fresh rosemary and the frozen raspberries for garnish.