AND THEY’RE OFF!
October Specials Meet Race-Day Cocktails
Horse racing has its own traditions, its own style and, perhaps most importantly for us, its own cocktails.
With the Surf & Turf Charity Horse Racing Night coming up this Friday, we’ve taken a little inspiration from some of the world’s best-known race meetings and matched three race-day cocktails with bottles featured in The Wine Cellar’s October Retail Specials.
From Churchill Downs to Royal Ascot, consider this your starting gate.
OCTOBER RETAIL SPECIALS ARE HERE
There’s plenty worth backing this month, with savings across premium wines and spirits including Tito’s, Hennessy, Cincoro, Arbikie, Beefeater, Absolut, Bacardi, El Recuerdo and more.
And the Tito’s Bundle Deal is back: one 1L bottle plus one 750ml bottle of Tito’s Handmade Vodka for $65.
You can also check the latest offers anytime at winecellar.tc/monthly-specials.
While stocks last.
FROM CHURCHILL DOWNS TO ROYAL ASCOT
Three Race-Day Cocktails to Try at Home
THE OAKS LILY
Featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Bright pink, refreshing and unmistakably race-day.
The Oaks Lily is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, traditionally combining vodka, cranberry, citrus and orange liqueur. Its colour is inspired by the Stargazer lilies presented to the winning horse.
You’ll need:
1½ oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
½ oz Triple Sec
3 oz cranberry juice
½ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
Crushed ice
Blackberries and lemon to garnish
Fill a glass with crushed ice. Add the ingredients and stir gently. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wedge.
THE ASCOT BLUSH
Featuring Arbikie Kirsty’s Gin
A little British race-day elegance, with a decidedly refreshing finish.
Inspired by the Royal Ascot Blush, this simple serve pairs gin with strawberry and lemonade. The official version is built around Silent Pool Gin; our take gives the starring role to Arbikie Kirsty’s Gin, currently featured in the October specials.
You’ll need:
1¾ oz Arbikie Kirsty’s Gin
¾ oz strawberry cordial
Chilled lemonade
Fresh strawberries
Fill a large glass with ice. Add gin and strawberry cordial, top with lemonade and stir gently. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
CINCORO HORSESHOE MARGARITA
Featuring Cincoro Tequila Blanco
This one practically named itself.
The Horseshoe Margarita is a Churchill Downs race-week favourite. Our version swaps in Cincoro Blanco, currently on October Special, while keeping the classic combination of tequila, fresh lime and agave.
You’ll need:
2 oz Cincoro Tequila Blanco
1 oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz agave nectar
Half-salt rim
Lime wheel
Shake tequila, lime and agave with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a partially salt-rimmed glass and garnish with lime.
NOW FOR A RACE A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME
The TC Health & Wellness Foundation returns this Friday, October 9, with its annual Surf & Turf Charity Horse Racing Night at Opus Bar & Grill.
Hosted by Larry Collmus, the Voice of the Triple Crown and New York Racing Association, the evening combines a three-course dinner, entertainment and an evening of horse racing, all in support of the Foundation’s work in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Cocktails begin at 6:30 PM, with the first race at 7:30 PM.
And to get the evening started, every guest will receive a complimentary welcome drink courtesy of The Wine Cellar.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
Opus Bar & Grill
Cocktails: 6:30 PM
First Race: 7:30 PM
Individual Tickets: $300
Table of 8: $2,000
For tickets, contact dax.bruton@tc.gt.com or ladarnya.smith@tc.gt.com.
Proceeds support the TC Health & Wellness Foundation, whose community work includes the Edward Gartland Youth Centre and programs promoting health, wellbeing and HIV/AIDS awareness throughout Turks & Caicos.
PICK A WINNER
Whether you’re joining the action at Surf & Turf or mixing a race-day cocktail at home, October has plenty worth raising a glass to.
Explore this month’s wines and spirits, discover something new and take advantage of the October Retail Specials through October 31, while stocks last.
VIEW OCTOBER SPECIALS
Link: winecellar.tc/monthly-specials
Cheers
The Wine Cellar Team