The Triple Crown is considered one of the greatest sporting events on earth. Man and beast labor as one, sweating and straining to reach the finish line; everyone else hangs out at the bar, showing off their large hats and signet rings. Ponies and potent potables have always gone hand in hand, and though this weekend’s Busch-soaked festivities at Foxfields may give the casual observer the impression that horse-racing aficionados are nothing more than meatheads marauding in madras, the average adult libation at a racetrack is as refreshingly spirited as the fillies galloping around it.
But what liquid rests in those chilled high-ball glasses? What do patrons sip demurely as they compare country homes? Each leg of the Triple Crown, not surprisingly, lays claim to its own unique beverage.
The first Saturday in May is the run for the roses, the Kentucky Derby, whose official drink is the classic Mint Julep. Made from a sugar syrup, a whole lot of bourbon (Kentucky in origin, of course), and garnished with fresh mint, the pleasing aesthetics of the Julep can be deceiving—the first sip hits like a ton of bricks. Bourbon, even when paired with copious amounts of glucose, remains an acquired taste, but after about ten minutes of sipping, the sickly sweet, strangely woody taste can start to grow on you. Make sure you have a glass of water on hand, though; this stuff will dry out your gullet.
The Black Eyed Susan, the beverage of choice for the Baltimore-based Preakness, is a northern effort at an afternoon delight. The citrus-y amalgamation of orange and pineapple juice serves well to cover the stronger flavors of rum, vodka, and Cointreau in this drink, making it an unexpectedly light concoction, with a sunny color that might fool one into thinking it is mere orange juice (as long as you don’t get a whiff of the stuff.)
Last but not least in the triple crown of cocktails is the White Carnation, the historic drink of the Belmont Stakes. Made with vodka, schnapps, orange juice, and a splash of cream, this nutritious libation combines almost all of the major food groups into a convenient liquid form. Incongruous as it may seem, the cream component of this drink ensures a smooth finish on the tongue, reminiscent of libations from the pina colada family.
All in all, the equestrian set knows a thing or two about civilized sipping and the magic combination of crushed ice and spirits on a sweaty June afternoon. But whether your tastes steer you towards fruity refreshment or full-bodied snoots of the Mr. Bean himself, racing season leaves no room for aluminum cans and beer-bonging accoutrements. Just leave the Busch be, at least while the ponies are present.
Ride Clare’s pony at ckm26@georgetown.edu
