Run for the White Carnations, and the Breezes
You might not think the genteel sport of horse-racing and food go together, but they do, at least nourishment of the liquid variety. The Super Bowl is known for what - beer? Bud Light from Bud Bowl? The NCAA tournament is fun, but what’s its official beverage? Gatorade, maybe?
Each leg of the Triple Crown, however, has a cocktail associated with race day. The Kentucky Derby has the famous Mint Julep served in frosty silver cups. The Preakness has the Black-Eyed Susan (the flowers given to the race’s winner), a mix of vodka, bourbon and orange juice. The Belmont Stakes’ signature drink has shuffled around a bit, though. I always thought it was the White Carnation, a concoction of peach schnapps, vodka, orange juice and cream (the bottom drink in the above photo). But it apparently didn’t have a big fan base, because at some point the Belmont Breeze stepped in.
I’m a not-so-secret horse-racing fan. I don’t think I ever fully grew out of that horse-crazy period that every other 6-year-old girl goes through (aka the My Little Pony Stage). My dad placed my first bet for me when I was nine - $2 on Winning Colors, to win, which she did, the last filly to beat the boys in the Kentucky Derby. I was hooked, not by the cash rewards but by the beauty and thrill of such powerful yet delicate animals.
So this Saturday evening I’ll be hopping up and down on my coach with excitement as this year’s field of Belmont Stakes contenders make their way to the starting gate. My father-in-law will be there, as he is every year. Lucky him. I’m hoping for a Triple Crown winner. It’s been 30 years (come on, Big Brown, you handsome boy), and I’ve never been alive to see a horse win all three races. It seems unfair that there were three in the 1970s. Maybe a stiff Belmont Breeze will calm me down.
This week my husband and I taste-tested these recipes on your behalf. It was difficult work, but we got through it. He favored the Breeze, a drink that reminds me of a fruitier Pimm’s Cup. It’s not too sweet, but not too alcoholic, either. Perfect for a long day at the races, especially if you are stuck with the masses in the infield. Its cousin, the White Carnation is sweet, and though I’m not usually partial to sweet cocktails, I found myself sampling this one again and again. Made with peach schnapps, orange juice, vodka, and a splash of cream, it tastes like a peachy Creamsicle.
Belmont Breeze
(makes one drink)
1 1/2 oz. Seagram’s 7 or other gin (I had Tanqueray at home already)
3/4 oz. cream sherry (available at Whole Foods)
1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
1 1/2 oz. orange juice
1 1/2 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. soda water
1 oz. 7-up (I used Sprite - is there really a difference?)
fresh strawberry
lemon wedge
mint sprig
Shake the first six ingredients with ice and top with 7-up and soda water. Garnish with strawberry, lemon and mint.
source: about.com: Horse Racing
White Carnation
(makes one drink)
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. Can garnish with an orange slice.
source: http://www.thewebtender.com
