Classic Belmont Jewel Cocktail Recipe

If you've never tried a Belmont Jewel cocktail, then it's time to grab your favorite oversized hat and harness your inner horse-racing enthusiast as you whip the Belmont Stakes' signature cocktail. Whether or not you're a fan of bourbon, you just might find you like this combination of flavors. "I'm not a huge fan of bourbon, but this cocktail, it's delicious and very refreshing," says recipe developer Ting Dalton of Cook Simply. "The combination of lemonade, pomegranate juice, and cold ice makes this cocktail a winner to enjoy at any time." 

And you really can enjoy one at almost any time, because it only takes about 4 minutes to pull together. So whether you're mixing up a pitcher of drinks before your Belmont Stakes viewing party, or you just want something cool to sip on after a long day at work, you can have a classic Belmont Jewel cocktail in your hand in almost no time at all. 

All you'll need to make this refreshing, fruity cocktail is bourbon whiskey, lemonade, pomegranate juice, a lemon, and if you want, more lemons to cut into wedges or wheels for garnish. "The special ingredient here is the lemon juice. It adds an extra zesty zing to the drink and tempers the sweetness. It's fresh, and delightful to drink," says Dalton. So don't skip the lemons. 

With your ingredients in front of you, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the bourbon, lemonade, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake the shaker until the liquids are very cold. 

Of course, it's important to remember that there's some flexibility with how you make the drink. For instance, it's up to you whether you use a store-bought lemonade or opt for a homemade version. "I used shop-bought lemonade which is slightly on the tarter side. But that is my preference and you can definitely go for sweeter or use homemade lemonade," says Dalton. 

Once the drink is nice and cold, all you have to do is strain it into an ice-filled glass, and garnish with a wedge or wheel of lemon. "It pairs well with salty snacks including peanuts and chips," says Dalton, so if you're making drinks for friends, it can't hurt to offer a spread of salty snacks to enjoy with the drinks.