Preakness Cocktails

Last Updated on 05/14/2021 by Inside Tailgating

It’s almost Preakness time, and time for the Preakness cocktail to celebrate. 

Each of the Triple Crown races have their own official drink. For example, the drink of the Kentucky Derby is the well known mint julep recipe, the Belmont Stakes has the Belmont jewel, and the Preakness Stakes’ official drink is the Black-eyed Susan. 

Many think of the Black-Eyed Susan as the drink of Mid-May in Baltimore, as it was first created there in 1973, but Preakness Cocktails are the original drink.

“Prior to the Black-Eyed Susan’s introduction as the official drink of the second jewel in Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, Maryland racing fans sang the praises of another cocktail: the Preakness.”

What are Preakness Cocktails? 

Preakness cocktails are a delicious blend of spirits, orange juice, and sour mix. By all accounts, it’s simply a Manhattan variant. Thanks to our friends at A History Of Drinking for this twist on the classic recipe. Also make sure to check out their new book, Forgotten Maryland Cocktails: A History Of Drinking In The Free State.

The following recipe is a simplified version but still very similar to the traditional recipe recorded in most cocktail books. 

Recipe adapted from David Wondrich

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces straight rye whiskey
• 1 ounce Martini & Rossi red vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters (though some early versions substitute 1⁄2 teaspoon Bénédictine 

Making your Preakness cocktail:

1. Stir with cracked ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and twist a swatch of thin-cut lemon peel over the top.
2. Enjoy immediately. 

But, if you’d rather stay “official”, here is the original Black-Eyed Susan cocktail. 

 Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 ounces Early Times Kentucky Whiskey
• 3/4 ounce Vodka
• 3 ounces sweet and sour mix
• 2 ounces orange juice
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

 Making your Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail: 

1. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Strain over ice into a Collins glass.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Are you watching the horse races? What is your favorite cocktail to drink while watching the winning horse go over the line?