Whiskey Down to the Wire

There was more than just horse racing going on at Santa Anita on Opening Day.

Five whiskeys—Breakers Bourbon, Calumet, Koval, Lexington, Whippersnappers and Whistle Pig—competed head-to-head that day for the title of Official Whiskey for the 2014 season. Turf Club Chandelier Room guests sipped each that day, and we now have the official results.

Rounding the turn and headed for home, the winner is Breaker Bourbon. Breaker will be used this season to concoct the track’s official cocktail, the Sure Bet.

Jeremy Lake, who created the cocktail, is the Trade Ambassador of Ascendant Spirits, Inc. and Bar Director at Crossroads on Melrose. Miracle Mile Bitters is from LA, 5 by 5 are from Chico and oranges used are California-grown.

If you’d like to try your luck at it at home, here’s the recipe:

2oz Breaker Bourbon
1/4oz B&B
1/4oz Mandarin Napoleon
Dash Miracle Mile chocolate/chili bitters
Dash 5 by 5 aromatic bitters
Stirred
Served on ice in a double old-fashioned glass
Garnish with a twist of California Valencia orange