The official cocktail of the Preakness Stakes, this Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is a fruity refreshing drink that is perfect for watching the race.

Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail on a board with oranges halves next to it.

Named after the Maryland state flower, The Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is to the Preakness Stakes what the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby. Every 3rd Saturday in May for the last 48 years, people enjoy this cocktail as they watch the 2nd of the three horse races in the Triple Crown.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the drink was first served at the 1973 Preakness by the Harry M. Stevens Co., the longtime caterers at Pimlico Race Course. It is said the team worked hard to make the drink have a pale yellow color, something that doesn’t remain today. The drink has been made with rum and vodka and pineapple juice. Then whiskey. And then swapped out for bourbon. And then back to whiskey.

If you are going to watch the race, why not make the cocktail and really get into the spirit. This is a fruity sweet drink perfect for a warm spring day.

So gather up the ingredients and let’s get ready to mix up the cocktail.

Instructions

Fill a tall glass with ice, this is a 7 oz. drink so make sure to have the right size glass. In a shaker filled with ice, add the Bourbon Whiskey, Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Orange Juice & Sour Mix. Shake well and let sit for a minute to chill. Now strain the drink into your pre-filled glass with ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a orange slice. Serve and enjoy! Also, check out our Classic Mint Julep when you are watching the Kentucky Derby.

So, the next 3rd Saturday in May when you are settling down with friends or family to watch the Preakness Stakes live from Pimlico Race Track, try our this Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail and enjoy the race.