Belmont Jewel
- 1½ ounces (45 ml) bourbon
- 2 ounces (60 ml) lemonade, homemade or prepared
- 1 ounce (30 ml) pomegranate juice
- Ice, for shaking and serving
- 1 lemon wheel, for garnish
Optional Homemade Lemonade
- 4 ounces (120 ml) water
- 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce (30 ml) simple syrup
Instructions
1
Make the lemonade, if needed: Stir together the water, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup until evenly combined. Measure 2 ounces for the cocktail and refrigerate the remainder.
2
Add the bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice to a cocktail shaker.
3
Fill the shaker with ice and shake firmly for 8 to 10 seconds.
4
Fine-strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5
Garnish with a lemon wheel and serve immediately.
💡 Bartender's Tips
- Use fresh lemonade: Fresh lemon juice gives the drink a brighter flavor than bottled sour mix.
- Fine-strain: A fine mesh strainer removes small ice chips and any lemon pulp for a cleaner drink.
- Choose a balanced bourbon: A medium-proof bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes works well with the tart fruit.
- Adjust sweetness: Pomegranate juices vary. Add a small amount of simple syrup if yours is especially tart.
- Serve over fresh ice: Do not reuse the shaking ice, which is already partially melted.
- Origin: The Belmont Jewel is the official cocktail of the Belmont Stakes and a modern alternative to the Belmont Breeze.
Cocktail
Bourbon
Summer