Black Eyed Susan Drink is the official drink of the Preakness Stakes, a major horse racing event in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness Stakes forms the middle jewel of American horse racings Triple Crown and is held at the Pimlico Race Course. The event is celebrated with a week-long festivity of games, parades, racing and food.
Black Eyed Susan Drink is a deceptively strong concoction. Various versions of the recipe are available on the Internet but the official website of the Preakness Stakes gives the original recipe. The ingredients of the drink include two part Bourbon, one part Vodka Citrus, three part Sweet and Sour Mix and one part Orange juice. The ingredients are chilled and then combined in a punch bowl. The drink is best served with garnishing of orange and cocktail cherry and served over crushed or chipped ice in tall glasses or punch glasses.
The Black Eyed Susan Drink derives its name from the state flower of Maryland. Another event which takes its name from the same origin is the race of the Black Eyed Susan Day. This is one of Pimlicos oldest stake races and is traditionally run on the Friday before the Preakness. The Black Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks. The name was changed in 1952 to compliment the Preakness and acknowledge the Maryland state flower.
The Black Eyed Susan Drink has been enjoyed at the Preakness for a long time. The history of the Preakness Stakes goes back to 1868 when a group of sportsmen, which included then Governor of Maryland, Oden Bowie, suggested that a special horse race be staged to commemorate a memorable occasion. Governor Bowie offered a purse of $15000 which was an incredible sum in those days. He also promised to set up a new racing track for the event. The first Preakness Stakes was held on May 27, 1873.
The tradition of celebrating a major horse racing day with a traditional drink is followed in other races as well. Just as the Preakness is celebrated with the Black Eyed Susan Drink, the Kentucky Derby has the mint julep as its official drink. The Black Eyed Susan cocktail is often referred to by other names like the Kentucky Screwdriver and the Yellow Jacket. The Screwdriver variations show that almost any cocktail can be adapted to ones favorite base liqueur, in this case, Kentuckys finest, the bourbon.
Apart from being the official drink of the Preakness Stakes, the Black Eyed Susan Drink is also enjoyed at the Black Eyed Susan Day. It is even served at the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico. Some variations of the cocktail use liqueurs like Cointreau and some light rum like Mount Gay rum.
Preakness
