The Official Drink of the Belmont Stakes
Hoping to see the first Triple Crown winner in three decades, we spent the day at the horse track watching live races and a simulcast of the Belmont Stakes. This being my first trip to the races, I didn’t know quite what to expect. What little I did imagine was by far tamer and more refined than what we found at Lone Star Park.
We sat outside on a patio and the heat was bearable only because of the breeze. The air was thick with excitement, boisterous noise, and deep-South humidity. People everywhere sipped on draft beers, shouted during the races, and tore up their losing tickets. From the looks of the crowd, they weren’t here for a leisurely drink and the possibility of seeing history made. They were serious about this. I liked being in the thick of it: the scene, the noise, the cast of unusual characters that I never really see in my day-to-day life.
I wanted to do my first time at the races right, so a week ago I looked up the official drink of the Belmont Stakes. There seems to be a little contention about this. Up until ’97-’98, it was the White Carnation. Apparently that changed in order to modernize the races image and they picked a sort of whiskey punch called the Belmont Breeze. It seems that the “official” drink depends on who you ask. Since it was the 140th anniversary of the races, I had my heart set on the traditional White Carnation, but was willing to go with whichever the two the bartender was familiar with. Luckily(?), he wasn’t familiar with either. So with the help of an iPhone, I instructed him on how to mix a White Carnation. It sounded a little dubious, but I wanted it for the sake of tradition. It turned out to be quite alright–enjoyable even. It’s a sweet cocktail, very creamy, and an appropriate drink for a brunch or something girly like a baby shower.
Despite Big Brown’s lost, it was a lovely day. I felt bad for Big Brown, the end of his Triple Crown quest, and all those who placed their money on such a seemingly safe bet. Honestly though, I was pleased with my day at the races and that I had my way and got to enjoy it while sipping on the (former) official drink.
The White Carnation
From the National Bartenders Cocktail Recipes
2 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
2 oz Orange juice
Soda water
Splash of Cream
Stir and pour over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with orange slice.
Man, if I only new you u guys. I would have loved to have been there! Ticket ripping is like my 5th favorite thing in life.
Did you get a hot dog? I know how you people are with your hot dogs.
I’m glad you had a great time. My wife and I usually sit inside because of the temperature; the only time we sit outside these days is if we happen to go in April or May.
As for Big Brown, I think my wife put it best: He just didn’t feel like running that day.
The White Carnation sounds like it would taste like a Dreamcicle. (If those are even around anymore!)
Margie, you called it! It tasted very similar to that!
I think that White Carnation will be made soon, I have all that stuff at home now. But ill have to rename it, that name will not go over well with me hahahaha.
haha… yeah deacon frost, the “white carnation” moniker makes it sound like something associated with tacky proms or the like.
it’s not even a white drink per se…. there’s got to be a better name.