Entries Wanted: Top 10 Best Cocktails Inspired by the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 2016

Indianapolis is currently all abuzz with the annual excitement surrounding 500 miles of fast-paced adrenaline. With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 quickly approaching, I've decided to dedicate a column to drinks inspired by the 100th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Anyone wishing to submit a recipe, along with contact information and an image, please do so by May 10, 2016. The mixologist, sommelier, restaurant, company or bar's name will be featured, along with the bartender, recipe and image for the drinks chosen.

For an example of a previous year's winners ~ click here.

The main objective is the drink MUST contain spirits, wine and/or beer AND be inspired by the spectacular 100th running of Indy 500. Not just any drink will do for the sports heroes, celebrities and fans who will pack themselves into Indianapolis for the weeks of special events.

Questions can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us or elizabethjmusgrave@gmail.com.

And, just like with that bold and daring great race,

Anything goes....

Tickets, schedule and directions: IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com

Photo credit: EJMusgave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Wanted: Top 10 Best Indianapolis 500 Inspired Cocktails 2014

Indianapolis is currently infused with the annual excitement that surrounds 500 miles of fast-paced adrenaline. With Indianapolis 500 2014 quickly approaching, once again, I've decided to dedicate a column to drinks inspired by the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Anyone wishing to submit a recipe, along with contact information and an image, please do so by May 22, 2014. The company, mixologist, sommelier, restaurant, or bar's name will be featured, along with the bartender, recipe and image for the drinks chosen. Those selected as the Greatest Spectacle in Cocktails will be announced online with the image, recipe and contact information.

2012 Winner

Entry Format

Cocktail: Smoke-n-Milk
Company: Drambuie
Creator: Anthony Caporale, spirit ambassador
Inspiration: After winning his second Indy 500 race in 1933, Louis Meyer requested a glass of buttermilk. He requested another glass in '36 after winning his third title, but instead received a bottle. With three fingers raised, he was captured by a photographer while drinking from that bottle, and the marketing opportunity wasn't lost on a local dairy executive. Unaware that Meyer was drinking buttermilk, the executive offered a bottle of milk to the winners of all future races, and milk has been presented at the conclusion of almost every Indy 500 since then. In honor of that tradition, Drambuie offers up an homage to this classic racing libation.
Recipe: In a shaker tin, half filled with ice, add 1 oz DRAMBUIE, 1/2 oz Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch, shake until the tin is frosted, add 1 oz milk, swirl to chill thoroughly. Pour into a rocks glass, add 1 dash Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters, garnish with an orange twist. Serve with a cocktail stirrer.
Website: Drambuie.com
Twitter: @drambuie

The main objective is the drink MUST contain alcohol, wine and/or beer and MUST be inspired by the Indy 500.

Not just any drink will do. We receive lots of fun cocktails with great stories and we are looking forward to showcasing yours!

Questions can be sent to me at elizabeth@gottago.us orelizabethjmusgrave@gmail.com.
And, just like with that bold and daring great race ~ Anything goes....

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

97th Indianapolis (INDY) 500 2013 Schedule

Saturday, May 11

OPENING DAY/CELEBRATION OF AUTOMOBILES

$10 admission, 12 and under free

10 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open, Social Media Garage Open

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Celebration of Automobiles

11 a.m., Corvette Pin Distribution, Pagoda Plaza

Noon-6 p.m., Practice/Rookie Orientation Program

1:30 p.m., Q&A with Mario Andretti, Pagoda Plaza Stage

Sunday, May 12

PRACTICE

$10 admission, 12 and under free

10 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

11 a.m., Firestone Pin Distribution, Pagoda Plaza

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Kids Zone Open

Noon-6 p.m., Practice/Rookie Orientation Program 

4 p.m., Give Me Jesus Tour Concert, Pagoda Plaza Stage

Monday, May 13-Thursday, May 16

PRACTICE

$10 admission, 12 and under free

10 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

Noon-6 p.m., Practice

Friday, May 17

FAST FRIDAY PRACTICE

$10 admission, 12 and under free

10 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open, Social Media Garage Open

Noon-6 p.m., Practice

6:15 p.m., Pole Day Qualifications Draw, Pagoda Plaza Stage

Saturday, May 18

POLE DAY QUALIFYING

$15 admission, 12 and under free

6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open, Social Media Garage Open

8-10 a.m., Practice 

10 a.m., American Dairy Association Pin Distribution, Pagoda Plaza

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Kids Zone Open

11 a.m.-4 p.m., First Qualifying Segment

4 p.m., Corey Cox Concert, Pagoda Plaza Stage

4:30-6 p.m., Fast Nine Pole Qualifying

6:15 p.m., Here Come the Mummies Concert, Pagoda Plaza Stage

Sunday, May 19

OLD NATIONAL ARMED FORCES BUMP DAY QUALIFYING

$15 admission, 12 and under free

7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open, Social Media Garage Open, Hero Zone Open, CrossFit Competition

9-10 a.m., Practice

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Kids Zone Open

Noon-6 p.m., Qualifying

Monday, May 20-Tuesday, May 21

NO TRACK ACTIVITY

Wednesday, May 22

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE 500 FESTIVAL COMMUNITY DAY

(No Track Activity)

$8 advance admission, $10 gate admission, 6 and under free

9 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

11 a.m., Firestone Freedom 100 Driver Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza; 500 Festival Pin Distribution, Pagoda Plaza

12:30 p.m., Indianapolis 500 Driver Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza (wristbands required)

Thursday, May 23

FIRESTONE FREEDOM 100 PRACTICE, QUALIFYING

Free

8 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

9 a.m.-noon, Firestone Indy Lights Practice

11 a.m., Hall of Fame Autograph Session, Hall of Fame Museum (separate admission)

1:15-2:15 p.m., Firestone Indy Lights Qualifying

2:30-4 p.m., Vintage Car Laps

Friday, May 24

COORS LIGHT CARB DAY

$20 admission, 12 and under free

8 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open, Social Media Garage Open

8:30-9:45 a.m., Vintage Car Laps

9:30 a.m., Firestone Pin Distribution, Pagoda Plaza

10-11 a.m., Public Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Pagoda Plaza Stage 

11 a.m.-noon, Indianapolis 500 Final Practice

12:30 p.m., Firestone Freedom 100 (40 laps)

2 p.m., Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge

3:30 p.m., Coors Light Carb Day Concert Featuring Poison

Saturday, May 25

LEGENDS DAY HONORING PARNELLI JONES

$10 admission, 12 and under free

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Public Gates Open, Social Media Garage Open, Vintage Car Display, Memorabilia Show

9-10 a.m., Driver Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza

9:30-10:15 a.m., Vintage Car Laps

10:25-10:30 a.m., 33 Roadsters Laps Led by Parnelli Jones

10:30 a.m., Public Drivers Meeting, Tower Terrace

11 a.m.-4 p.m., Kids Zone Open 

11:15 a.m., Q&A with Parnelli Jones, Pagoda Plaza Stage

Noon-12:45 p.m., Parnelli Jones Autograph Session, Plaza Pavilion

1-4:30 p.m., Indianapolis 500 Veteran Driver Autograph Sessions, Plaza Pavilion

4 p.m., Mattel Hot Wheels World Record Track Run

Sunday, May 26

97th INDIANAPOLIS 500 RACE DAY

Tickets start at $30

5:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

7 a.m., Snake Pit Opens, Social Media Garage Opens

8 a.m., Parade of Bands

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Kids Zone Open

9:30 a.m., Celebrity Red Carpet, Pagoda Plaza

11 a.m., Vintage Car Lap

11:33 a.m., Driver Introductions

Noon, Start of 97th Indianapolis 500 (200 laps)

2013 Indianapolis 500 tickets

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more: (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

96th INDIANAPOLIS 500 SCHEDULE 2012

96th INDIANAPOLIS 500 SCHEDULE 2012

(All times local, subject to change)

For tickets, complete details and directions, visit IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com

Monday, May 21

NO TRACK ACTIVITY

Tuesday, May 22

NO TRACK ACTIVITY

Wednesday, May 23

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE 500 FESTIVAL COMMUNITY DAY

(No track activity)

$8 advance/$10 gate, 6 and under free

9 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

11 a.m., 500 Festival Community Day Pin Distribution, Pagoda Plaza

11 a.m.-noon, Firestone Indy Lights Driver Autograph Session, Plaza

Pavilion 1C/1D

12:30-1:30 p.m., Indy 500 Autograph Session #1 Wristband

Distribution, MotoGP Garage 36

1:30-2:30 p.m., Indy 500 Autograph Session #1, Plaza Pavilion 1C/1D

2-3 p.m., Indy 500 Autograph Session #2 Wristband Distribution,

MotoGP Garage 36

3-4 p.m., Indy 500 Autograph Session #2, Plaza Pavilion 1C/1D

3:30-4:30 p.m., Indy 500 Autograph Session #3 Wristband

Distribution, MotoGP Garage 36

4:30-5:30 p.m., Indy 500 Autograph Session #3, Plaza Pavilion 1C/1D

Thursday, May 24

FIRESTONE FREEDOM 100

PRACTICE, QUALIFYING

Free

8 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

9 a.m.-noon, Firestone Indy Lights Practice

1:15-2:15 p.m., Firestone Indy Lights Qualifying

2:30-4 p.m., Vintage Car Laps

Friday, May 25

MILLER LITE CARB DAY

$20 admission, 12 and under free

8 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

10:30-11 a.m., Q&A with IndyCar Crew Members, Coca-Cola Stage

10:45 a.m., Firestone Pin Distribution, Pagoda Plaza

11 a.m.-noon, Indianapolis 500 Final Practice

12:30 p.m., Firestone Freedom 100 (40 laps)

1:35 p.m., Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge

3:30 p.m., Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd

Saturday, May 26

LEGENDS DAY HONORING ROGER PENSKE PRESENTED BY SHELL V-POWER

$10 admission; 12 and under free

8 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

8:45-9 a.m., Chase Rookie of the Year Candidates Q&A, Coca-Cola Stage

9-10 a.m., 2011 Starting Field/Indy 500 Winners Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza

9 a.m.-4 p.m., Indianapolis 500 Memorabilia Show, Plaza Pavilion 1A/1B

9:30-10:20 a.m., Vintage Car Laps

10:30-11 a.m., Public Drivers Meeting, Tower Terrace

11-11:30 a.m., Q&A with Roger Penske, Coca-Cola Stage

1-4 p.m., Indy 500 Veterans Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza

For the Top 10 List of Indianapolis 500 Inspired Cocktails, click here.

Sunday, May 27

96TH INDIANAPOLIS 500 RACE DAY 

Tickets start at $30

5:33 a.m.-6 p.m., Public Gates Open

7 a.m., Snake Pit Opens

8:30 a.m., Parade of Bands

9:30 a.m., 500 Festival Princesses Lap

11 a.m., Vintage Car Lap

11:10 a.m., Military Tribute Lap

11:30 a.m., Driver Introductions

Noon, Start of 96th Indianapolis 500 (200 laps)

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at FoodandDrinkDigital.com, as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd Headliner for 2012 Indy 500 Carb Day Concert

LYNYRD SKYNYRD HEADLINES MILLER LITE CARB DAY CONCERT 2012

It hasn't been announced whether Jim Nabors will be singing Back Home Again in Indiana at the Indianapolis 500 2012, but Carb Day's musical headline is definite.

**Press Release**

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 - Legendary American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will headline the Miller Lite Carb Day concert Friday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The concert, free with Miller Lite Carb Day admission of $20, will take place on the Miller Lite Stage in the IMS infield. Miller Lite Carb Day tickets are available now at www.IMStix.com.

"It's very exciting to welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd for the Miller Lite Carb Day concert," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "The band's incredibly powerful live show will help to keep the good times rolling at IMS all the way through Race Weekend."

Lynyrd Skynyrd is the definitive Southern rock band, with a catalog of more than 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million. The band is a cultural icon that appeals to all generations with its backbone of rock and country, passionate vocals and trademark layered guitars. Among the band's popular hits are "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Saturday Night Special" and "What's Your Name?"

The band has persevered with indomitable will and spirit through triumph and tragedy, including a plane crash in 1977 that claimed three band members. Lynyrd Skynyrd's latest album,"God & Guns," continues to feature a muscular, three-guitar attack led by original band member Gary Rossington.

Lynyrd Skynyrd consists of Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals), Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Michael Cartellone (drums), Robert Kearns (bass) and Peter Keys (keyboards), with Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase providing backing vocals as the Honkettes.

The Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd will be the finale of an action-packed day at IMS. Also scheduled are the final practice for the 33 starters in the Indianapolis 500, the Freedom 100 race for Firestone Indy Lights and the popular IZOD Pit Stop Challenge.

The 2012 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for noon Sunday, May 27.
2012 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2012 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Indianapolis 500 Schedule 2011

Indianapolis Motor Speedway 

Opens May 14 for the first day of practice in preparation for the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 on May 29. Key dates include pole day on May 21 and Carb Day on May 27.

2011 SCHEDULE
Friday, May 20:

Gates open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for Fast Friday; open practice, noon-6 p.m.


Saturday, May 21:

Gates open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. for pole day qualifying; open practice, 8-10 a.m.; 
qualifications, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.

Sunday, May 22:

Gates open 8 a.m.--6 p.m. for bump day qualifying; open practice, 9-10 a.m.; 
qualifications, noon-6 p.m.

Monday, May 23-Tuesday, May 24:

No track activity.

Wednesday, May 25:

Gates open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day; no track activity.

Thursday, May 26:

Gates open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for Firestone Freedom 100 practice and qualifying; practice, 9-9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; qualifying, 3-4 p.m.

Friday, May 27:

Gates open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for Miller Lite Carb Day; Indianapolis 500 final practice, 11 a.m.-noon; Firestone Freedom 100, 12:30 p.m.; Pit Stop Challenge, 1:30 p.m.; 
Carb Day concert featuring Staind and Papa Roach, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 28:

Gates open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for A.J. Foyt Day, no track activity;

autograph sessions, 9-10 a.m. and noon-4 p.m.; public drivers' meeting, 10:40 a.m.

Sunday, May 29:

Gates open at 6 a.m. for the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500; green flag, noon

Website: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.