The Preakness Stakes is the second horse race of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep as it's signature cocktail. The Preakness has the Black Eyed Susan. It wouldn't be right for me to be living in the Baltimore area and not highlight this cocktail.
The recipe of the Black Eyed Susan cocktail usually changes each year. Whoever is sponsoring the race that year comes out with their own recipe. In order to make this recipe for you, I had to test and retest ratios and ingredients to find the best combination to share with you. It was a hard job but someone has to do it.
Black eyed susans are also cute little flowers pictured above. It's also the name of the ladies' day of the Preakness Weekend. Black Eyed Susan Day is the Friday before the Preakness Stakes. It has it own big race and own infield celebrations. One of the most fun times I've had was attending the Black Eyed Susan Day with a dear friend. I can't wait until things get back to normal and I can plan a weekend celebration of the horses, spring, and fun of Preakness weekend.
If you've never been to one of these horses races in the Triple Crown, don't worry. You're not alone. There are only 3 races to chose from. There's the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Preakness in Baltimore, Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York. There are seats in the grandstands that are expensive but come with great views of the race track. There's also general admission tickets and infield tickets that are much more affordable. You may not get the best view of the race but you'll get the best view of the culture. The people in the infield are there for all the fun. You'll still have access to betting and some other events at the race.
At the Preakness and Black Eyed Susan Day infields there are food trucks and other vendors. There are live bands and concerts. There are lots of people to mingle with. Remember that these races usually happen rain or shine so make sure you dress appropriately. The infields and general admission areas may not be covered from the sun or rain.
If you can't make it to Preakness, you can get there by making this cocktail!
Black Eyed Susan Cocktail
Makes 1 Cocktail
Ingredients
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Vodka
1 oz Simple Syrup
2 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Orange Juice
Bourbon Soaked Cherries for garnish
Mix all ingredients together in a shaker and serve poured over ice. Yum!