White Carnation

The White Carnation is a smooth, velvety cocktail that beautifully balances the sweetness of peach with the bright acidity of orange juice. The vodka provides a clean, neutral spirit base, allowing the fruit and cream to shine. The addition of heavy cream gives the drink a luxurious, dessert-like texture, making it rich but not overly heavy. It's an elegant and surprisingly refreshing concoction, perfect for those who enjoy creamy cocktails that are well-balanced.
White Carnation

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The White Carnation is classified as a classic cocktail. It is known for its creamy, fruity profile and is prepared by shaking the ingredients with ice and serving it straight up, embodying the characteristics of a sophisticated mixed drink.

Serving

This is a moderately alcoholic drink served cold and straight up in a chilled coupe or Martini glass, making for an elegant presentation of about 5 ounces.
Serving size
Approximately 5 oz / 150 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The White Carnation held the title of the official drink for the Belmont Stakes horse race from the late 1970s until 1997. It was created by the track's caterers as a signature cocktail for the third leg of the Triple Crown, aiming for the same iconic status as the Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby. Over the years, it was eventually replaced by other official drinks like the Belmont Breeze and, more recently, the Belmont Jewel.
Origin
United States, late 1970s. The drink was created for the Belmont Stakes horse race in Elmont, New York.

White Carnation

Original name
White Carnation

Characteristics overview

The White Carnation offers a creamy, velvety texture with a flavor profile dominated by sweet peach and bright orange. Its appealing aroma matches its taste, and it finishes smoothly, appearing as an opaque, pale peachy-orange liquid.
Flavor
Peachy, orange, creamy, sweet, citrusy
Aroma
Peach, orange, fresh cream
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Creamy, smooth, fruity
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Opaque, pale orange, creamy white-peach
Texture
Creamy, smooth, velvety, rich
Seasonality
Refreshing, suitable for spring and summer events

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by its sweet fruitiness from peach and orange, which is complemented by a rich creaminess. The alcohol presence is mild, and the drink is entirely still, lacking any bitterness or spiciness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To create this drink, you will need four key ingredients: vodka as the spirit base, peach schnapps for fruity sweetness, orange juice for a citrus kick, and heavy cream for a rich, smooth texture.
  • Vodka2 oz / 60 ml
  • Peach Schnapps0.5 oz / 15 ml
  • Orange Juice2 oz / 60 ml
    Freshly squeezed is recommended for best flavor.
  • Heavy Cream0.5 oz / 15 ml

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The essential equipment for this cocktail includes a shaker to mix and chill the ingredients, a jigger for precise measurements, and a strainer to ensure a smooth pour.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Strainer

Instructions

The method is simple: add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, and then double strain into a prepared coupe glass before adding the garnish.
1. Chill your coupe or Martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice and water.
2. Combine the vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or slice and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of an orange twist or a thin orange slice adds a touch of color and a pleasant citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors.
  • Orange twist or slice, placed on the rim or expressed over the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegetarian and typically gluten-free, but it contains dairy from the heavy cream, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with dairy intolerance. A dairy-free version can be made with a plant-based cream substitute.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving of a White Carnation has a moderate calorie, carbohydrate, and sugar content, primarily derived from the orange juice, peach schnapps, and cream.
Calories
Approximately 250-300 kcal / 1046-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Given its origins, the White Carnation is the perfect drink for horse racing parties, especially those celebrating the Belmont Stakes. It also serves wonderfully as a dessert cocktail or a sophisticated choice for brunch or other celebratory events.
  • Horse Racing Events
  • Brunch
  • Dessert Drink
  • Celebratory Gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The White Carnation's creamy and fruity character makes it an excellent partner for light desserts such as fruit tarts or cheesecake. It also pairs wonderfully with brunch fare like scones or sweet crepes, enhancing their flavors without being overpowering.
  • Fruit tarts
  • Scones with jam and cream
  • Light pastries
  • Cheesecake

The White Carnation: A Winning Taste of Belmont History

The White Carnation is a delightful and creamy cocktail with a rich history as a former official drink of the Belmont Stakes. Its blend of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cream creates a smooth, dessert-like experience that is both elegant and satisfying. Easy to prepare, it's a perfect choice for celebratory events, brunch, or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink. This cocktail offers a taste of equestrian history in a glass, perfect for reliving the glamour of the races.

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