Belmont Jewel

The Belmont Jewel is a real gem of a bourbon cocktail. And as the official drink of the Belmont Stakes—the third and final race in horse racing’s Triple Crown—it rivals the Derby’s mint julep and the Preakness’ black-eyed Susan cocktail, and gives them both a run for their money.

This bright, citrusy cocktail is essentially a bourbon-spiked lemonade cocktail, but with a splash of pomegranate juice for color and singular sweetness. It’s refreshingly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and about 30 seconds of effort, which means you can focus more on cheering for your horse and less on playing bartender. The Belmont Jewel is a cocktail so crisp and sippable that it might make it into your regular rotation—even after the horses have run.

Belmont Jewel Ingredients

• Lemonade: Lemonade makes up the bright, tangy base of the cocktail. Freshly squeezed lemonade will give the drink the most vibrant flavor, but a good-quality store-bought lemonade works perfectly well, too.
• Bourbon: Bourbon gives the drink a warm depth. Choose a bourbon like Woodford Reserve for its vanilla and caramel notes, which balance nicely with the citrus and pomegranate. Bourbon and whiskey have some key differences, namely that bourbon is a type of whiskey that’s exclusively made in the United States.
• Pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice adds both color and gentle tart sweetness. It also gives the cocktail its signature ruby hue. When buying juice, keep an eye on added sugar; it can oversweeten the drink.
• Lemon peel strip: A lemon peel garnish provides a burst of fresh citrus aroma that you smell right before you take a sip. Expressing the oils from the peel over the glass adds a little extra brightness to the drink, and it looks fancy when you do it.

Directions

Step 1: Shake the cocktail

Fill a shaker half full with ice. Add the lemonade, bourbon and pomegranate juice. Cover and shake the mixture until condensation forms on outside of shaker, about 10 to 15 seconds.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a Mason jar with a tight lid works surprisingly well in a pinch.

Step 2: Strain and garnish the cocktail

Strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish it with a lemon peel.

Editor’s Tip: Twist the lemon peel gently over the drink to express the fragrant oils, then swipe the edges with the swath before dropping it in or skewering it with a cocktail pick.

Belmont Jewel Variations

• Give it sparkle: Top the finished cocktail with a splash of club soda or sparkling lemonade for a lightly bubbly version. The extra fizz makes the drink feel even more refreshing during warm-weather gatherings.
• Add berries: Add a few muddled raspberries or strawberries to the shaker before mixing. The berries enhance the fruitiness and pair beautifully with the pomegranate juice.
• Sweeten it up: Swap simple lemonade for honey-sweetened lemonade. The subtle floral sweetness from the honey complements the bourbon’s natural caramel notes.
• Make it a slushie: Blend the ingredients with ice instead of shaking them to make a frozen cocktail version. This is especially fun for summer parties or race-day gatherings where you want something icy and festive.

Belmont Jewel Tips

How do you make batches of Belmont Jewels?

Making Belmont Jewels in batches is incredibly easy, which makes them perfect for Belmont Stakes watch parties or any summer gatherings. To make a pitcher of Jewels, use the same ratio as the recipe. For example, to make eight cocktails, combine 1-1/2 cups of bourbon, 2 cups of lemonade and 1 cup of pomegranate juice in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture well and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve drinks.

When serving, pour the mixture over ice and garnish each glass with a strip of lemon peel. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving, though it’s best enjoyed the same day while the citrus flavors are fresh and vibrant.

If you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a small outdoor drink station exclusively for Belmont Jewels with garnishes like lemon twists, fresh berries and even mint sprigs. It’ll turn a simple cocktail into a fun race-day tradition.