Black Eyed Susan

The Black Eyed Susan has a citrusy, sweet, smooth, bright flavor profile. A vibrant Maryland classic that combines the smooth warmth of bourbon with bright citrus and a touch of sweetness. This sunny yellow cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious, with a perfect balance of spirit and refreshment.

A Black Eyed Susan requires 7 ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Fresh orange juice, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Pineapple Juice, Dark cherry, Orange wheel.

A Black Eyed Susan takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

A Black Eyed Susan is traditionally served in a rocks, garnished with Dark cherry and orange wheel.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Black Eyed Susan by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Black Eyed Susan earned its place in cocktail history through its association with the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown. Named after Maryland's state flower, this cocktail was officially adopted as the signature drink of the Preakness in 1973, replacing the previous traditional mint julep to create a unique identity for the Baltimore racing event. The drink's creation is attributed to the bartenders at Pimlico Race Course, who wanted something distinctly Maryland that would complement the mint julep of the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Breeze of the Belmont Stakes. The cocktail's sunny yellow color mirrors the petals of the black-eyed Susan flower, while the dark cherry garnish represents the flower's distinctive dark center. Over the decades, the recipe has evolved slightly, with some variations using different citrus combinations or sweetening agents, but the core concept of bourbon, citrus, and that signature cherry garnish has remained constant. Today, it's enjoyed not just at the racetrack but throughout Maryland and beyond, particularly during spring and summer celebrations.