As the thoroughbred horse racing season of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness culminates with the Belmont Stakes, it’s an opportune time to bring attention to the second most important part of the Triple Crown season: the drinking!
Maybe the fancy hats are the second most important and drinking is the third…
…no, the drinking is!
There is a problem, however, that may only concern some of us: drinks containing alcohol can speed up wrinkles and be very dehydrating and detrimental to our skin.
But here are healthy counterparts to the traditional drink recipes to partake in for a day at the races. Not only are these very beneficial to maintaining supple, youthful and glowing skin, they provide anti-oxidants to boost the immune system, aid in digestion— a host of things the traditional Triple Crown drinks can’t do!
Everyone is aware that the official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep, but did you know that each race has its own signature drink?
The official drink of the Preakness is the Black Eyed Susan.
Most drink the Belmont Breeze at the Belmont Stakes (at least at this writing; the Belmont drink name and recipe change from time to time).
[Editor’s Update: The Belmont Jewel is Stakes’ the current official drink (1.5 oz Bourbon, 2 oz Lemonade, 1 oz Pomegranate Juice and Orange Zest); for a healthier version, follow the Black Eyed Susan recipe and substitute the orange juice with lemonade!]
Mint Julep: Mint leaves, 2 oz. Bourbon whiskey, plus 2 teaspoons Water and 1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar (or tablespoon of Simple Syrup).
Mint Julep Alternative: Citrus Mint Spritzer
• 5-Mint Leaves
• 2 teaspoons fresh–squeezed Lemon (or Lime) juice,
• 1-cup Seltzer Water or Sparkling Water,
• Ice,
• 1-teaspoon Powdered Sugar (optional),
• Fruit Slices for garnish.
Put lemon juice and mint leaves in glass (plus optional sugar). Muddle (aka crush) mint leaves to let out their flavor. Pour in seltzer and stir. Add ice and slices of the fruit.
→ Make it even more refreshing: add slices of Cucumber and/or iced Green Tea!
Black–Eyed Susan: 1.5 oz. Vodka, 1 oz Bourbon, 2 oz. Orange Juice, 2 oz Sour Drink Mix.
Black–Eyed Susan Alternative: Orange Pomegranate Spritzer
• 1/2 cup freshly–squeezed Orange Juice (1 orange),
• 1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar (optional),
• 1/4 cup Pomegranate Juice,
• 1/2 cup Seltzer/Sparkling Water,
• Ice.
Put orange juice in a tall glass. Stir in optional sugar until it dissolves. Add pomegranate juice, stir. Pour in seltzer. Add ice. Garnish with orange slices.
→ Instead of processed sugar: make a Honey Simple Syrup by bringing equal parts Water and Honey to a simmer, cooling and then set aside in the refrigerator until needed in your drink. Kick it up a notch higher by adding a few Mint Leaves after taking the syrup off the burner.
Belmont Breeze: 1-1/2 oz. Whiskey, 3/4 oz. Sherry, 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup, 1-1/2 oz. Orange Juice, 1 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda, 1 oz. Club Soda.
Belmont Breeze Alternative: Orange Mango Spritzer
• 1/2 peeled and chopped Mango,
• 1/2 cup freshly–squeezed Orange Juice (1 orange),
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice,
• 1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar (optional),
• 1/2 cup Seltzer/Sparkling Water,
• Ice,
• Cherry for garnish.
Puree mango, juices and optional sugar in a blender. Strain solids for a smooth drink. Pour in glass with seltzer and ice. Garnish with a cherry or two.
→ Give the drink more kick: drop a couple of slices of peeled Ginger into the blender!
Adjust and substitute ingredients in these refreshing, non-potent potables to your taste. Enjoy these drinks full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Folic and Amino acids that are so good for the heart, eyes, bones, digestion, immune system, skin repair, etc. Have fun at the track!
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