Victory Drink of the Month: Belle Vodka’s Belle Bottom, the ideal winner’s circle cocktail!

The Race: Arlington Million Stakes

The Venue: Arlington International Racecourse

The Date: Aug. 11, 2018

The Winner: Robert Bruce

The Toast: To a rising star in the turf ranks and a memorable day for the leading grass trainer in North America. Robert Bruce shipped to the Northern Hemisphere undefeated through six starts in his native Chile and won his first race in the U.S., a stakes race at Belmont Park. He encountered traffic trouble in his next race, finishing sixth in the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Stakes, but came back strong in Arlington’s signature race, winning the Million by a half-length over Almanaar to earn an automatic berth in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (WATCH REPLAY).

Robert Bruce and Almanaar are both trained by Chad Brown, a Bobby Frankel protégé who has won the last two Eclipse Awards as outstanding trainer. For that matter, so are the top three finishers in the Beverly D. Stakes for turf fillies and mares, Arlington’s other Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” prep on Aug. 11.

After the Race: A great cocktail for bar-patio socializing at evening twilight. Rock some faded denim if you wish – it’s Woodstock month, after all. 

What’s Next: The 149^thTravers Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets is the highlight of Saratoga’s unparalleled race meet. Attend the “Mid-Summer Derby” for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Aug. 25 or watch live on NBC.

The Ingredients:

• Mix 1.5 ounces of Belle Vodka with Sour Mix
• 0.5 ounces of Blue Curacao

How to Make It:

• Pour Belle Vodka/Sour Mix in glass filled with ice.
• Add Blue Curacao.
• Top with Sprite and garnish with cherries and blueberries.