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. 

Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

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

A few years 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.

That’s when I fell in love with the Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail.

Preakness Stakes Cocktail

The official drink of the Preakness, which takes place in Baltimore, Md., 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.

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.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• vodka
• elderflower liqueur such as St. Germain
• pineapple juice
• orange juice
• fresh lime juice
• orange slice or lime wedge, for garnish

How to make a Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

Here’s how to make this Preakness drink recipe:

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

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

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

Triple Crown Cocktails

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

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. 

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.

More Maryland Cocktails

Beyond the Preakness cocktail, there is so much to Maryland cuisine.

You’d love this refreshing Orange Crush, made with orange juice, orange vodka, orange liqueur and a splash of soda. This recipe is from my friend Sam, a Maryland native, so you know it’s good!

Another Maryland classic is anything Old Bay. Make a classic Bloody Mary, but with Old Bay Bloody Mary Mix. And don’t forget to put Old Bay seasoning on the rim!