If I can make it there,

I’ll make it practically anywhere,

It’s up to you,

New York, New York

John Kander and Fred Ebb

Saturday, June 10th, marks the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes, the oldest race in the triple crown series. Dating back to 1867 and first won by the filly Ruthless, the Stakes varied in dates, distances, and locations. It originated at Jerome Park, run at one and 5/8th of a mile. It now resides in Elmont, at Belmont Park, and is distanced at a challenging mile and a half for three-year-old thoroughbreds. 

Live coverage has moved this year from NBC to FOX with a schedule of FS1 11-4 PM, FOX SPORTS 4-7:30 PM, and FS2 7:30-8 PM EST.

The Belmont is a perfect occasion to showcase your bartending skill. Along with a great day of summer racing is a delicious variety of summery drinks for your race-thirsty guests. Ice, fresh juice, and your best bourbon are the top ingredients for these classics listed below.

The Belmont Jewel

In 2012, mixologist Drew Revella created the latest toast of the Belmont Stakes. Bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate over ice are a perfect touch of sweet and sour in a light and easy refreshment.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey
• 2 ounces Lemonade
• 1 ounce Pomegranate Juice
• Lemon, Oranges and Pomegranate Wedges or Zest, Cherry for garnish

Directions:

• Ice and ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
• Shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a variety of sliced options. 
• Pairs best with lemon, orange, cherry. 

Serve and enjoy.

The Belmont Breeze

Dale King Cocktail DeGroff created the drink in 1997, which fast-tracked to the official cocktail of the Belmont Stakes, replacing the long-time staple, White Carnation. The Breeze is sweeter than the Jewel and more prep-involved, but so satisfying.  

Ingredients

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup Ice Cubes
• 1-1/2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey
• 1-1/2 ounces Orange Juice
• 1-1/2 ounces Cranberry Juice
• 1 ounce Sour Mix
• 3/4 ounce Sherry
• 1 ounce Club Soda
• 1 ounce Lemon-lime Soda
• Mint Sprig and Lemon Wedge

Directions

• Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice.
• Place remaining ice in a cocktail glass; set aside.
• Add the whiskey, juices, sour mix and sherry to shaker; cover and shake for 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker.
• Strain into prepared glass.
• Top with sodas.
• Garnish with mint and lemon wedge.

Sweet and refreshing.

The Bourbon Bramble

The Bourbon Bramble, created in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell, is a twist on the original British gin Bramble. It is not an official drink of the Belmont Stakes but an up-and-coming favorite for its sweet addition of blackberries (or seasonal berry) to bourbon.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 
• 3/4 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice 
• 1/2 oz Berry of Choice Liqueur 
• Fresh Berries

Directions

• Shake first three ingredients in a shaker with crushed ice.
• Muddle berries in a rocks glass, then add contents of shaker into the glass.
• Top with floater of selected berry of choice liqueur.
• Garnish with lemon and berries.

Berrylicious.

Another Bourbon Favorite: The Man O’ War

The Man O War’s creation story is one of mystery. Reports that in the 1800s, it was introduced by Admiral William Sidney Smith, so named in honor of his Royal Navy flagship HMS Man O’ War. Racing fans know its namesake as one of the greatest in horse racing history. Man O’ War was a legend, winning 20 of 21 races, including the 1920 Preakness and Belmont stakes. He sired Triple Crown winner War Admiral. Fair Play, the sire of Man o’ War, was the great-grandsire of Bold Ruler, the sire of Secretariat.

Co-founder of New York Distilling Company, Allen Katz, authored this recipe below.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Bourbon Whiskey
• 30 ml Orange Curacao
• 15 ml Sweet Vermouth
• 15 ml Lemon Juice

Directions

• Add ice to your cocktail shaker.
• Add the ingredients.
• Shake it cold.
• Strain into a cocktail glass.

Please enjoy these great cocktails with great friends and great racing!

Salute! 

photo credit: pexels: Marcelo Verfe, Ehioma Osih, Isabella Mendes, Marcelo Verfe, Aleksandar Andreev

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