Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

A drink for the Preakness Stakes, the Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is so named for the Maryland-shaped blanket of yellow flowers that is draped around the winner’s neck. Vodka and elderflower liqueur join pineapple, orange and lime juices for a sunny drink worthy of race-watching. 

a black eyed susan drink with a vase of flowers

Tomorrow marks the second leg of the Triple Crown — the Preakness Stakes.

A couple weeks ago, I shared a recipe for the Basil Julep, my twist on the Kentucky Derby’s famous mint julep, and I wondered if there is an official cocktail for the other two races.

Preakness Stakes Cocktail

Turns out my hunch was correct. The official drink of the Preakness, which take place tomorrow in Baltimore, is the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail.

First concocted for the race in 1973, the Black-Eyed Susan drink is so named for the Maryland-shaped blanket of yellow flowers that is draped around the winner’s neck.

(I’ll be making the Belmont Stakes cocktail in a few weeks, so stay tuned!)

two black eyed susan cocktails

Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail Recipe

The drink is golden-colored to match, with orange, lime and pineapple juices as the primary mixers and spiked with vodka and elderflower liqueur.

Add a little ice and an orange wedge for garnish, and voila!

The Baltimore Sun explains the storied history of the Black-Eyed Susan, a recipe that seems to change slightly year after year.

a black eyed susan cocktail with a green straw, a flower and a lime wedge

Triple Crown Cocktails

For the Kentucky Derby, I shared recipes for the “official” drinks of each race. There are so many derby cocktails you can make!

First, in honor of the Kentucky Derby I shared the Basil Julep, a variation on the traditional mint julep.

I LOVE juleps (I even named one of my cats Julep!) and also recommend this Blackberry Mint Julep, this Honey Whiskey Mint Julep and this Chocolate Mint Julep

Then, I also shared my recipe for the Belmont Jewel, for the Belmont Stakes. It’s a ruby-red cocktail that’s perfect for horse-race sipping.

black eyed susan cocktails with flower garnishes

And that brings us back to the Preakness’s Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail.

There are so many cocktails to celebrate horse-racing out there! Way more than just a julep.

I really love the Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail for its bright, citrus flavors. It’s totally refreshing and perfect all summer long. 

two black eyed susan cocktails with a vase of black eyed susan flowers

Like winners of horse-race betting, I’m glad I gave this one a chance, though, as it’s another cocktail companion for horse racing season.

It would be a fine refreshing beverage for a sizzling summer day, too. // susannah

black eyed susan flowers
A drink for the Preakness Stakes, the Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is so named for the Maryland-shaped blanket of yellow flowers that is draped around the winner's neck. Vodka and elderflower liqueur join pineapple, orange and lime juices for a sunny drink worthy of race-watching. (via feastandwest.com)

Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

A sunny, citrus cocktail for the Preakness Stakes horse race.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces vodka
  • 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur such as St. Germain
  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 3/4 ounces orange juice
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (from half a lime)
  • Orange slice or lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a highball or pint glass with ice.Mix all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Pour ingredients over ice. Garnish with an orange slice or a lime wedge. Serve.

Notes

Adapted from the official 2014 recipe on the Preakness website

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 5gSugar: 25gProtein: 2g

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Comments

  1. Carla says

    This looks awesome! I’m meeting my BF’s family next week and I wanted to mix everyone cocktails, but it also needs an easy non-alcoholic version. I’m going to make this,and the non-alcoholic version will be all the juice + 2oz elderflower tonic water. Hope they like it!

    • Susannah says

      Hey Carla! So glad you are trying this for such a momentous occasion. I hope it goes great! What a perfect cocktail to try, too. I think your non-alcoholic version sounds like it could be a hit. You could also try using zero proof alcohol in lieu of the vodka to see if that gives it a boost!

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