While exploring the scenery, the excitement, and learning a tiny bit about betting on horses was all in the fun of my first day at Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks) in May, a memorable experience of the day came when we entered Millionaires Row — where we were wined Lilied and dined with buffet, drinks, and gambling, not to mention an amazing view from way up high and good times with new friends.
Lilied? One taste of the Grey Goose Lily and the Huz, and I knew that this would be our drink of the summer. We came home, grabbed the ingredients, and have been delighting in this refreshing mix all spring. (Here’s the Grey Goose official recipe. I like ours better.)
Grey Goose Lily (Kentucky Oaks)
Ingredients
- 1 oz. GREY GOOSE® Vodka
- 1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
- 3 oz. Cranberry Juice
- Splash of Triple Sec
- orange slice (optional)
- Splash of orange juice (optional)
Get Cooking
- Mix and enjoy
Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in pictures
Weeks leading up to my journey to the Kentucky Derby, I heard over and over, “I can’t wait to see your pictures!” and “PLEASE, fill my news feed with pictures!” I have SO many pictures that I’m going to have to separate them into two posts. Enjoy the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in pictures.
Next week, we’ll focus on Derby hats and fashion highlights.
What an experience! Everywhere we looked, there was something to see and take a picture of! This image is from Millionaire Row, which overlooks the infield track and stands above the boxes.
Traditionally, Friday has been a more casual, local day, but it’s increasingly becoming a national party. The theme is “Pink Out,” with a benefit to Breast Cancer Awareness and survivors.
In one of the more touching moments of the Derby, after the Oaks race is complete, we salute the survivors. It was amazing to see the number of people marching on the track–young and old, male and female.
If you get close enough, you can pet a leader horse–a horse that leads the racing horses onto the track before a race.
I just loved that one of the Derby sponsors, Vineyard Vines, decorated a tractor. Excellent marketing. Later, we also say Vineyard Vines decorated cabs in town.
A far quieter day than the Kentucky Derby Day, partiers getting started on the infield.
The signature drink of the Kentucky Oaks (Friday) is the Lily. This was my drink of choice for the weekend (and will likely be this summer, too.) Recipe above.
Derby Day, the infield was far more crowded, despite the downpour.
