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: GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

THIS SUMMER STAPLE IS delicious with the addition of a bit of balsamic vinegar as in the photo below. Use it on any kind of salad and it is even nice as a sandwich dressing, too. I like it because I can use up all of the leftover herbs I have when I make it!

GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

Makes 1 1/2 cups/ will keep in the fridge, covered for 2 weeks.

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup mayonnaise 3/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons anchovy paste

1 small garlic clove, minced 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon

1/4 cup fresh chervil 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Add the mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor.

Mince the garlic together with the anchovy paste. Use the blade of your knife to smooth it into a paste. Add to the blender.

Pulse the blender a few times to combine.

Add the herbs plus salt and pepper.

Blend until smooth.

Taste- add a bit more salt if necessary.

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