Other Horse Racing Cocktails

Bourbon and horse racing go hand-in-hand, and not just in Kentucky. Most bourbon and horse racing enthusiasts in Kentucky can tell you that the same limestone filtered water that makes bourbon so amazing also contributes to the great strength of our Thoroughbreds. But that doesn’t mean horse racing enthusiasts all over the country aren’t also enjoying bourbon cocktails at major races near them. There are more bourbon cocktails in horse racing than just the Mint Julep. Check out some of these official cocktails for other major horse races around the United States, and don’t forget the paper drinking straws this year!

The Black Eyed Susan – Official Cocktail of The Preakness Stakes

It looks like the official recipe for The Preakness Stakes‘ official cocktail changes from year to year, but I was able to find the 2017 recipe on the Way Back Machine:

1 part Makers Mark Bourbon Whiskey
1 part DeKuyper Peachtree
1 part Effen Vodka
2 parts orange juice
2 parts sour mix

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain over crushed ice in a tall glass. Garnish with an orange and cherry.

The Belmont Jewel – Official Cocktail Of The Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Jewel is new as of 2017. Up until last year the official cocktail was the Belmont Breeze, which you can find here.

1.5 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
2 oz. lemonade
1 oz. pomegranate juice
Orange Zest

Shake vigorously with ice and serve in a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Keeneland Breeze – Official Cocktail Of Keeneland

They don’t seem to advertise this recipe much unless it is on a bar towel in their gift shop. (Thank you to Her Kentucky for posting about this towel!) It was also the official Breeder’s Cup cocktail in 2015, when the race was held at Keeneland.

1 ½ parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon
½ part orange liqueur
Ginger ale
Orange round garnish

Combine first three ingredients into a highball glass. Add ice and garnish with orange round.

The Oaks Lilly – Official Cocktail Of The Kentucky Oaks

There’s no bourbon in this cocktail, which has to be pink to compliment the garland of lillies given to the winning horse.

1 ¼ oz. Finlandia Vodka
1 oz. sweet and sour mix
¼ oz. triple sec
3 oz. cranberry juice

Once the ingredients are mixed, place the pinkish cocktail in an Official Oaks Lily glass (stemless wine glass) with crushed ice, add a straw and garnish with a blackberry and lemon wedge.