A drink for the Preakness Stakes, the Black-Eyed Susan drink 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 cocktail worthy of race-watching.
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About this Black-Eyed Susan cocktail recipe
Most people know the Kentucky Derby for its fast horses, fancy hats and famous mint julep cocktails. But after the Kentucky Derby, there’s even more fun. Two more horse races make up the coveted Triple Crown prize: the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. If a rider and his or her horse win all three races, it’s a huge honor.
The fun doesn’t stop at mint juleps though! If you’ve ever wondered if there is an official cocktail for the other two races, you are onto something! You’re going to fall in love with the Preakness’ refreshing and sunny Black-Eyed Susan cocktail, and the Belmont Stakes’ ruby-red Belmont Jewel cocktail too.
Named for the Maryland state flower that adorns the winning horse at Pimlico race course, the Black-Eyed Susan is the official cocktail of the Preakness. But you don’t have to enjoy just during Derby season! It’s a perfectly crushable cocktail you can sip on all spring and summer long.
Note from the author
2025 update: I’m so happy this recipe holds up for all your Preakness parties! This recipe just got an upgrade. I first published this post in 2014 based on the then-official recipe, which changes a little bit each year. I still prefer this version, as the elderflower liqueur adds the best floral flavor, holding up to the flower-inspired name. I’ve since added new photos, clearer instructions and expert tips to make it even better. Cheers!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- This is the official drink of the Preakness Stakes. It brings big race day energy to any party.
- It’s sweet, tangy and totally refreshing. It blends vodka, elderflower liqueur, pineapple and citrus for a floral, tropical, sweet-tart sip.
- Made for summer, its golden color shines in the sun. Just add ice and a lime wedge!
History
The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail is the official drink of the Preakness, which takes place in Baltimore, Md. 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 changes slightly every year for the mid-may horse race, with many variations including peach schnapps, rum, bourbon and orange liqueur.
More derby recipes: Basil Julep • Woodford Reserve Spire Cocktail • Kentucky Mule
Ingredients
Here’s your ingredient list to make your own Black-Eyed Susan — everything should be easy to find!
- vodka
- elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain
- pineapple juice
- orange juice
- fresh lime juice
- orange slice or lime wedge, for garnish
Best vodka
Vodka brings its lovely, clean and crisp quality to the Black-Eyed Susan and provides a nice blank slate, letting the citrus and sweetness shine. You can also substitute a flavored vodka or use gin, if you prefer.
A cheap vodka will taste cheap and stand out in your drink — and not in a great way — so stick to the $15-20 range if you can. My go-to vodka brands right now are Tito’s, Deep Eddy, Reyka and Absolut.
Don’t miss Vodka 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
How to make a Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
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!
You can make this Black-Eyed Susan cocktail recipe in a few simple steps:
In a cocktail shaker * filled with ice, add the vodka and elderflower liqueur.
Add the pineapple juice and orange juice.
Finally, add the lime juice. Shake well, then strain the ingredients into a highball glass * over ice. Garnish with an orange slice or a lime wedge. Serve.
Serve these Maryland cocktails with food from the Old Line State, such as crab cakes or crab dip. There are so many traditional derby food recipes to munch on, too!
Tips & tricks
- Use a high-quality vodka. Cheap vodkas can have that cloying flavor.
- If possible, use fresh lime juice and fresh orange juice.
- Shake well — when the cocktail shaker * gets ice cold in your hands, it’s probably ready.
Derby cocktails
There are so many cocktails to celebrate horse-racing out there! Way more than just a julep. Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE juleps (I even named one of my cats Julep!) and also recommend this honey mint julep.
But for the Kentucky Derby and other races, there are so many other derby cocktails you can make!
- Go beyond the julep and enjoy the Woodford Reserve Spire and the Kentucky Oaks Lily, too.
- Marylanders and Preakness goers will also love a refreshing Orange Crush, made with orange juice, orange vodka, orange liqueur and a splash of soda.
- And after the Preakness, enjoy the Belmont Jewel cocktail as you watch the Belmont Stakes. It’s a ruby-red cocktail that’s perfect for horse-race sipping.
FAQ
This is the official drink of the Preakness Stakes horse race. The winner is adorned with a blanked of yellow Black-Eyed Susan flowers.
There are many Black-Eyed Susan recipes. Though the drink’s name stays the same, the recipe seems to go through a light transformation each year. Some recipes call for other ingredients, like a little whiskey, lemon juice, triple sec, light rum, peach schnapps, sour mix and a cherry. I prefer my recipe; it is based on the 2014 official recipe — the elderflower adds a lovely floral flavor that helps the cocktail live up to its name.
More elderflower cocktails
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Black-Eyed Susan Drink
ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- ½ ounce elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- ¾ ounces orange juice
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice from ½ lime
- 1 orange slice or lime wedge, for garnish
instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, elderflower liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice and lime juice. Shake well.
- Fill a highball or pint glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with an orange slice or a lime wedge. Serve.
notes
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ANDREA says
Sounds refreshing and delicious! I love the horseshoe <3
Susannah says
Thanks! I borrowed it from my grandmother. 🙂
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!
Nikki says
First time I made this one and we loved it. Citrusy and bright. A new favorite.
Lynn says
Refreshing AND yummy! Thanks for the recipe, Susannah!