Top 5 Most Famous Drinks at Horse Races

The old-age sport of horse racing combines adrenaline, elegance and majestic steeds. It's a sport that captures the hearts of many across the globe. But beyond the captivating atmosphere of horse racing, a fascinating aspect that adds a touch of sophistication is the iconic drinks associated with horse racing.

Several carefully crafted drinks using traditional processes have become inseparable from the horse racing culture. So, in this article, we will explore the five most famous drinks at horse racing. These drinks are popular in several well-known racecourses in the United States, like the prestigious Saratoga, which you can get all the info about it at twinspires.com/race-tracks/saratoga.

So, join us as we delve into details about these drinks and what made them famous.

Winner’s Circle Cooler

The Winner’s Circle Cooler is a cocktail made with grapefruit, bourbon, Corona Light and mint simple syrup. It has a hybrid taste of beer cocktail, mint julep and greyhound. It's a refreshing citrus beer cocktail perfect for sipping while watching the big race — the whiskey in the drink amps up the mint syrup and grapefruit juice.

This drink is an excellent choice for those who prefer something light or a crisp cocktail during the hot months. Interestingly, the Corona used in this drink was the Official Import Beer for the Kentucky Derby in 2018 and 2019, making it befitting for a racing occasion.

Horse’s Neck Cocktail

Another popular drink you'll find at horse races is this simple yet eye-catching Horse's Neck cocktail. This cocktail dates back to the 19th century and is crafted with bourbon or brandy, bitters, ginger ale and a long lemon twist. Initially, it started as a non-alcoholic ginger ale. But somewhere down the line, bartenders started adding jiggers of rye, bourbon or brandy to the cocktail.

To date, some people prefer skipping the brandy or booze and ordering it as a mocktail, essentially making it a fancy ginger ale. No matter how you like the horse's neck cocktail, it is always a great drink during a horse race.

Kentucky Mule

Despite the name, the Kentucky Mule is a Los Angeles cocktail created in the 1940s. It is a refreshing, effervescent cocktail combining bourbon, ginger beer and lime. The weighty profile of the bourbon cuts through the ginger, resulting in a more flavorful drink.

And for the best result, bartenders opt for high-quality ginger beer to achieve a spicier flavor profile. If you like experimenting with your drink, replace the ginger beer with ginger syrup. Remember, the Kentucky Mule is best enjoyed with plenty of ice and garnished with mint.

Kentucky Buck

A Buck is a broad family of cocktails that includes ginger beer and citrus. The Kentucky Buck is a bourbon-based modern classic cocktail from Erick Castro, the co-owner of Raised by Wolves and Polite Provisions in San Diego. According to Erick, most cocktails don’t mix well with scotch, ginger, rum or vodka, but the Buck is one exception to that statement. Adding strawberries to this cocktail will improve its look and taste.

Peach Julep

Peach beer julep is another excellent cocktail that combines juicy peaches with rye bourbon and mint. Sitting at a game and taking a sip of this cocktail is refreshing. If you want a cocktail full of flavor and not sugar, this julep is right for you.

Remember, a julep is only complete with mint. If you aren't the best fan of peaches, you can substitute them for plums, apricots and even cherries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best drink for horse racing is crucial for everyone. We have explored the most popular drinks to consider for this existing sport. So, ensure whichever you choose is refreshing and made for indulging on an exciting race day.