What Are The Cocktails You Can Have In Racetracks?

We can all agree that horse racing is a classy sport, which means that beer isn’t the most popular choice. Attendants want something sophisticated and classy, which is why most people drink champagne or cocktails.

But horse racing is also a sport draped in tradition. Some of the most popular events, like the Kentucky Derby, have been around for more than 150 years, and they are much more than just races. They are fashion shows, networking events, and places where traditions are very important.

These traditions are present in every aspect of the sport, including the drinks served at the event. Yes, some of the biggest racetracks managed to create their own signature cocktails just to make them feel extra special.

Over time, certain cocktails have become part of the vibe, regional flavor, and the festive spirit of the race day. But which are the most popular cocktails served on racetracks? Let’s find out.

The Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular horse racing events in the world, and probably the prime example of holding a cocktail history better than any other horse racing event. If you didn’t know, the official signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep – and people can’t get enough!

But even how the cocktail is made and served has become a tradition. This is a frosty, aromatic concoction of bourbon, crushed ice, sugar, and mint. The drink is served in a silver cup and has been the official cocktail of the event for nearly a century.

We can trace the roots of the mint julep to the 1700s and early 1800s, where it was made with brandy or rum and mint leaves, but it began to rise in racing culture when the Derby started becoming a tradition. So, by 1938, the mint julep was already an established signature drink of the Derby.

Their cocktail is just as the race, all over the place. This is the wildest and most unpredictable race in the world. Unless you’re an experienced bettor with years of betting experience.

But if you are someone who doesn’t know much about betting, well, maybe it’s time to do your homework before sipping on that cocktail. If you want to learn more about horse racing picks, tips, and expert predictions, you should head over to TwinSpires. This is the best place where beginners and experienced bettors can learn a thing or two about upcoming races.

TwinSpires is also owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the organizers of the Kentucky Derby, so they provide the best tips and insider information.

After making your researched bet, it’s time to make the Mint Julep.

Did you know that over 120,000 mint juleps are served during the two-day Derby weekend at Churchill Downs? These are crazy numbers! 

So, what makes this cocktail so special? Well, it has all the elements that reflect the location, such as Kentucky bourbon, freshly harvested mint, and crushed ice to beat the heat. Plus, the long tradition and the hype behind the Derby make it even more desirable.

The Black-Eyed Susan at the Preakness Stakes

Now we go to the second leg of the Triple Crown races – the Preakness Stakes. After seeing the example from the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes also launched its own signature cocktail. We are talking about the Black-Eyed Susan. A cocktail that will bring the bettor in you.

This cocktail draws its name from Maryland’s state flower, the black-eyed Susan, which is used in the floral blanket draped over the winner at Pimlico.

The cocktail’s history is all over the place. It was first created in 1973, and it was first intended to capture race-day hype and create a festive cocktail that’s tied to the event.

Over the years, the recipe has changed significantly. Some original versions of the cocktail included vodka, rum, and orange-juice blends, but more recent versions took inspiration from the Mint Julep and now include bourbon, peach schnapps, or pineapple juice.

The Belmont Jewel at the Belmont Stakes

It’s time to highlight the last leg of the Triple Crown races – the Belmont Stakes, which was quite late in this cocktail race. The Belmont Stakes is held in New York, and its official signature cocktail, the Belmont Jewel, was only recently introduced to fans.

The Belmont Stakes had other signature cocktails over the years, such as the White Carnation and the Belmont Breeze. They switched to Belmont Jewel just because it is a much simpler option and is closely tied to the other two Triple Crown races. The Belmont Jewel is made with bourbon, lemonade, pomegranate juice, and garnished with a lemon twist or cherry.

Dubai Spritz at the Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup doesn’t have a big tradition, but it’s also not a new kid on the block. In just a little more than two decades, the Dubai World Cup became one of the richest races in the world. However, we do have to mention that alcohol is strictly controlled in Dubai, but at a racehorse, cocktails flow freely in the hospitality suites.

Although this racing event doesn’t have a signature cocktail, the most popular choice is the Dubai Spritz. This cocktail comes in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. But what makes this cocktail different from any other spritz-style cocktails? Well, the Dubai Spritz includes Middle Eastern spices like tamarind and hibiscus

Breeders’ Cup Cocktails

The Breeders’ Cup is another big horse racing event in the United States, and they’ve recently introduced a new signature cocktail lineup that will probably make history in the years to come.

They offer not one, but two signature cocktails, which are the most popular choice for spectators at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships – The Torrie Cup and The Garland.

The Torrie Cup is made with bourbon, finest call Froze mix, strawberry puree, and sparkling lemonade. Sounds much more modern than the other cocktails we covered. The Garland is made with vodka, triple sec, honey-green tea, and fresh lemon juice.

These are the most popular signature cocktails that are served at big events. For less popular events, they have all the traditional cocktails you can have in a bar. So, if you want a taste of tradition, maybe it is time to try these cocktails, whether at home or maybe attending some of these events.