Black Eyed Susan Cocktail

What is a Black Eyed Susan Drink?

Black Eyed Susan is the official cocktail of the Preakness Stakes in Maryland. The name comes from the flowers used to make the winning horse's blanket.

The Preakness cocktail is a fruity drink with plenty of tropical citrus flavors. People usually serve it as the drink of choice to watch the popular Preakness Stakes every May.

Why This is the Best Black Eyed Susan Cocktail Recipe

First of all, it is important to note there is no official Black Eyed Susan recipe. You'll find a bunch of different takes on this drink, but most of the recipes are fruity and include orange in some way.

• Three types of liquor. I used vodka, rum, and Grand Marnier.
• It's extra fruity. With orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice, the flavors can't be beat.
• Easy to garnish. Just add an orange slice and a cherry in the glass.
• Looks like the flower. The name of the cocktail is fitting because it really does look like a Black Eyed Susan flower.

What is in a Black Eyed Susan Cocktail?

The Black Eyed Susan cocktail ingredients are simple and easy to find at grocery and liquor stores. Here's a quick list of what you need:

• Orange juice - fresh squeezed is best
• Pineapple juice - fresh or canned, either works just fine
• Vodka
• White rum
• Grand Marnier or Cointreau - Triple Sec can also be used
• Lime
• Garnishes: orange slice, pineapple slice, and/or a cherry

How to Make a Black Eyed Susan Drink

1. Pour orange juice into a pitcher or a cocktail shaker.
2. Add pineapple juice.
3. Pour in your favorite brand of vodka.

4. Add a squirt of lime juice.
5. Pour in a light rum.
6. Finally add Grand Marnier and stir.

7. Pour into a glass filled with crushed ice.

Add a pretty garnish by adorning the glass with a slice of orange, one black-eyed susan flower, and a cherry prior to serving.

Cheers!

Recipe Variations

This is a very flexible drink and you can easily swap out the liquor and other ingredients. Here are some ideas:

• Use only vodka or rum and not both.
• Substitute either vodka or rum with bourbon.
• Substitute Grand Marnier with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur.
• Add sparkling seltzer, sparkling wine, or champagne.

Make a Pitcher

It's easy to make a large batch of this cocktail ahead of time. Simply multiply the ingredients by 10. Mix everything together in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, set the pitcher out along with ice-filled glasses and pretty garnishes.

More Fruity Cocktail Recipes

• Blackberry Margarita - Fresh muddled blackberries give this drink incredible flavor and color.
• Georgia Peach Cocktail - Best way to use those fresh summer peaches!
• Pink Lemonade Cocktail - Only 3 ingredients are needed for this pretty and tasty drink.
• Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Smash from Bon Appeteach
• Raspberry Lime Rickey - Sweet, tart, and a touch of bubbly effervescence.

Find lots of easy cocktail recipes here on 2CM.