We are now down to the third leg of the triple crown. It’s now time for the Belmont Stakes to have its moment in the limelight. I’ve featured the Mint Julep as the official drink for the Kentucky Derby, it is the first leg of the triple crown. The black-eyed Susan cocktail is the official drink of the Preakness. While the black-eyed Susan is the state flower for the state of Maryland where the race takes place the Preakness is the second leg of the triple crown. Needless to say, it was my favorite drink of all three. I don’t say that because I live in the state of Maryland, I just love the fruity flavor and the tropical feel of this drink.
The Belmont Jewel Cocktail is the official drink for the Belmont Stakes. The Belmont Jewel is such a regal cocktail I love the blend of the bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice. Traditionally the drink is garnished with a lemon wedge. I chose to garnish my drinks with cherries and lime slices.
This drink has gone through numerous transitions over the years. The White Carnation Cocktail consisting of vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice was the official drink of the Belmont Stakes from the 1980s until 1997. Then in 1998, the Belmont Breeze became the official cocktail of the Belmont Stakes. The drink consists of bourbon, sherry, orange juice, lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and mint. A few of the recipes called for rye whiskey instead of bourbon depending on the retailer that was promoting the drink.
The Belmont Breeze became too complicated. It was time-consuming and required too many ingredients to make the drink. Then in 2011, the Belmont Jewel Cocktail became the official Belmont Stakes cocktail. What a smart choice for this drink. It’s sure to become the winning cocktail for the last half of the Triple Crown if I must say so myself.
Subscribe to The Crafty Boomer and never miss another post!
- 1.5 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces lemonade
- 1 ounce of pomegranate juice
- garnish cherries and lime slice
- club soda (optional if your drink is too strong)
- Place the bourbon, lemonade, pomegranate juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake the drink well.
- Strain the drink over an ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with a lime slice and cherry. Enjoy!