Belmont Jewel

The Belmont Jewel is the official cocktail of the Belmont Stakes, the third and final leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. Introduced in 2011, this drink is designed to be both delicious and easy to prepare in large quantities for the event's crowds. It's a vibrant, ruby-colored cocktail that balances the warmth of bourbon with the sweet tartness of lemonade and the fruity depth of pomegranate, making it a perfect trackside refreshment on a warm day.
Belmont Jewel

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Belmont Jewel is a modern classic cocktail, specifically created for a major sporting event. It falls into the category of shaken, fruit-forward whiskey drinks, similar to a sour but with pre-made lemonade.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a standard rocks or Old Fashioned glass, the Belmont Jewel is a moderately strong but highly drinkable cocktail perfect for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 135 ml plus ice (4.5 oz plus ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Belmont Jewel was created in 2011 by bartender Dale DeGroff for the New York Racing Association. It was introduced to replace the previous official drink, the Belmont Breeze, with a simpler and more crowd-pleasing recipe. Its straightforward three-ingredient formula ensures consistency and speed of service, crucial for a large-scale event like the Belmont Stakes.
Origin
The Belmont Jewel originated in the United States in 2011. It was specifically commissioned for the Belmont Stakes held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

Belmont Jewel

The Belmont Jewel is almost exclusively known by its original name, though it is sometimes referred to more generally as the Belmont Stakes Cocktail due to its official status at the horse race.
Original name
Belmont Jewel
Alternative name
Belmont Stakes Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This is a refreshingly summery drink with a bright, fruity flavor profile balancing sweet and sour notes. It has a smooth texture and a beautiful ruby color, with the aroma of lemon and bourbon.
Flavor
Fruity, Tart, Sweet, Citrus, Oak, Vanilla
Aroma
Lemon, Pomegranate, Bourbon
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Fruity, Short
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pinkish-Red, Ruby, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Light, Refreshing
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Belmont Jewel is characterized by a high fruitiness level, balanced by moderate sweetness and sourness. It is a still, non-creamy drink with a light alcohol presence and minimal bitterness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires just three simple ingredients: bourbon whiskey as the spirit base, lemonade for citrusy sweetness, and pomegranate juice for fruity depth and color.
  • Bourbon Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A good quality, straightforward bourbon works best. Traditionally, Woodford Reserve is used as they are a sponsor of the event.
  • Lemonade60 ml / 2 oz
    Use a quality store-bought lemonade or make your own for a fresher taste.
  • Pomegranate Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Use 100% pomegranate juice for the best flavor and color.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and a strainer, to properly mix and chill the Belmont Jewel.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine the ingredients
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring
  • Strainer to pour the chilled drink without ice shards

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until chilled, then strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass and garnish with a lemon wedge or orange twist.

Garnishing

A simple citrus garnish complements the drink's flavors. A fresh lemon wedge on the rim or an expressed orange twist are the most common choices.
  • Lemon wedge, placed on the rim of the glass
  • Orange twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also vegan, caffeine-free, and considered gluten-free as the distillation process removes gluten proteins from the bourbon.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the bourbon and the sugar content in the lemonade and pomegranate juice. Carbohydrate and sugar levels are moderate.
Calories
Averagely 190-210 kcal / 795-880 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 20-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is ideal for warm weather gatherings, such as summer parties, picnics, and barbecues. It is, of course, the quintessential drink for watching horse racing, especially the Belmont Stakes.
  • Summer Parties
  • Sporting Events
  • Barbecues

Pairing suggestions

The Belmont Jewel pairs well with classic American fare suitable for a summer gathering. It complements the flavors of barbecue, grilled meats, and a variety of light appetizers like cheese and crackers or shrimp cocktail.
  • Light Appetizers
  • Barbecue Dishes
  • Grilled Chicken or Pork

The Belmont Jewel: A Refreshing Triple Crown Cocktail

The Belmont Jewel is a simple yet elegant cocktail that perfectly captures the spirit of a day at the races. Its three-ingredient recipe makes it incredibly accessible for home bartenders, while its refreshing balance of bourbon, lemon, and pomegranate makes it a crowd-pleaser. As the official drink of the Belmont Stakes, it carries a sense of occasion, but its delightful taste makes it a winner for any summer event. It's a modern classic that prioritizes flavor and simplicity over complexity.

Similar Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

A classic sour made with whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. More tart and less fruity than the Belmont Jewel.

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