The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail is traditionally enjoyed at the Preakness Stakes, but since the Preakness knows how to party, we’ve included the drink in our Kentucky Derby write-up. This intoxicating cocktail is perfect for any horse racing event, or any event for that matter. We should also warn you that it packs quite a powerful punch. Enjoy it in moderation or you might find yourself moshing in the Infield’s mud pit. Actually, that sounds kinda awesome. Drink up.
Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Black Eyed Susans are created with the following:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 St. Germain liqueur
- 1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 2 oz orange juice
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- Crushed ice
- Orange slice and Maraschino cherry for garnish
Steps
- Combine vodka, St. Germain, Cointreau, orange & pineapple juice in a shaker.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake until frosty.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass of ice, allowing the liquid to flow down the glass to create a dazzling gradient of yellows.
- Garnish the cocktail with a slice of orange or other citrus fruit for color and flavorful undertones, and perfect it by popping a cherry on top.
Tasty Modifications
Some prefer their Black Eyed Susan cocktails with bourbon whiskey instead of vodka. Other variations will swap out the triple sec with peach schnapps and 2 ounces of sour mix. Or, if you’ve ever watched the infield, some people pour it all into a cup and top it off with a splash of Tropicana to call it a day.
History
The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail is inspired by the blanket of Black-eyed Susan flowers traditionally draped over the winning horse following the Preakness Stakes. The official story is that the drink made its first debut at the Pimlico Race Course during the 1973 race. It is also said that Harry Stevens, owner of the catering company that supplied the Baltimore track, wanted to create an iconic drink for the occasion and the bright yellow hues of this beverage were a perfect match.
Not to make this more confusing, but there is also a Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, which is the sister race preceding the Preakness Stakes. The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs and the Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park are unofficially referred to as the “Filly Triple Crown.”
