Since the pandemic, the brickyard has not been open for business, limiting or even canceling the traditional festivities that make the Indy 500 an event that we all know and love. This year, the Indy 500 will return to its former glory, with no crowd limits and all the typical festivities.
Whether you are attending the event in person or watching it from home, it is time to start thinking about what you will be holding as you cheer on your favorite racers. With this list of fun and simple cocktails, you can get into the spirit of the race wherever you may be.
White Lady
If you are a fan of tradition and gin, the white lady is a perfect Indy 500 drink for you. First crafted by Harry McElhone in 1919, the white lady is the perfect combination of sweet and sour. Made with only three simple ingredients: gin, triple sec, and lemon juice, this drink is made for easy sipping on a hot race day.
Recipe:
Step One: Combine two ounces of gin, one ounce of triple sec, and ¾ ounce of lemon juice into a shaker with ice.
Step Two: Shake until extra cold and frothy.
Step Three: Pour into a glass with a lemon twist.
Spiked Milk
Anyone familiar with the Indy 500 knows that it is a tradition that the winner of the race, along with posing for tons of pictures and getting decorated with an elaborate flower wreath, also celebrates by drinking milk. To get into the spirit of the race, try a spiked milk cocktail and prepare to be amazed by its sweet yet refreshing taste.
Recipe: To prepare this drink. You will need to pick up a bottle of Fuzzy’s Premium Vodka. Each drink contains 1.5 ounces of vodka, ¾ of an ounce of Drambuie, 1 ounce of vanilla simple syrup, 1 ounce of cream, and 3 muddled mint leaves.
Step one: Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker, minus the mint leaves, and shake.
Step Two: Pour into a small milk jug or any other glass.
Step Three: Add the muddled mint leaves and enjoy.
Sparkling Grapefruit
Not a huge liquor fan? No problem, one of the best-tasting drinks for a hot, summer race day is a sparkling grapefruit cocktail. This drink is light and will keep you refreshed. In addition, the grapefruit juice will give you that much-needed boost of vitamin C to make sure you remain healthy all weekend long.
Recipe:
To craft this race cocktail, you will need ½ grapefruit juice, ½ Aperol spritz, basil leaves, sparkling champagne, and a grapefruit peel.
Step One: Muddle the basil leaves and throw them into a shaker with ice.
Step Two: Add the Aperol and grapefruit juice to the shaker.
Step Three: Shake consistently and add the mixture to a champagne flute. Top off with sparkling champagne and a grapefruit peel.
Plan Your Race Day with Us
At payless liquors, we have a large variety of liquors to help get the festivities started. Visit us in person or fill out our online order form.