by Ramona Taylor

Created on: April 04, 2010   Last Updated: April 05, 2010

In May 2010, the Preakness Stakes will be held at Pimlico Race Track, and with the Preakness comes many celebrated traditions. One such tradition is serving Black-eyed Susans.  While some flower lovers may think this is a seasonal gesture, horse racing fans know that the Black Eyed Susan is more than the Maryland State flower.  It is the official drink of the Preakness.

The History

Racing at Pimlico began in 1870, after then Maryland Governor Oden Bowie made a bet.   Boasting with his friends about horse racing,h he challenged them all to a race that would be held in two years.  His dare became the Dinner Stakes, which ultimately became the Preakness.  And, Governor Bowie's prize was a night full of fine food and drinks. 

Since 1873, the Preakness Stakes has been held and food and fun have been part of its continuing tradition.  The Preakness, as well as other events at Pimlico, has offered a fine menu selections from top notch catering staff.   As plans for the centennial celebration for the Preakness approached, Handleman, head of catering, and others worked on ideas for the event. The thought about a commemorative glass came up and Handleman was tasked with filling it.

The Kentucky Derby had named the mint julep as its official drink.  Handleman wanted to best the mint julep and the Black-eyed Susan was born. The drink is named for Maryland’s state flower and was consistent with other Preakness traditions, including the use of Black- eyed Susan blanquets for the winning horses. Handleman’s original recipe consisted of a blend of vodka, rum, Triple Sec, pineapple juice, orange juice, a lime wedge, and ice.

The Recipe

The recipe has changed over the decades.  In the 1980s, the Triple Sec and lime wedge were replaced by  peach schnapps.  By the 1990s, Early Times Bourbon became a sponsor of one of the Preakness Day races and as a result, the Black-eyed Susan was being made with whiskey and not rum.  

The new mix has changed since Handleman first concocted the drink. As such, there are several variations on the recipe for the drink, but Pimlico and the Preakness have its own official recipe. The current recipe is as follows:

¾ ounce 42 Below Vodka

1¼ ounces Early Times Kentucky Whiskey

3 oz. sweet & sour mix

2 oz. orange juice

Garnish with orange slice, cherry and a stirrer.

Historic Pimlico is home to many traditions, including the Preakness.  So when Spring brings the thought of flowers and horse racing to mind, don’t forget about the Preakness' special flower and drink the Black-eyed Susan.  For more information about the Black-Eyed Susan and its history at the Preakness, check out the following links:

http://www.preakness.com/blackEyedSusan

http://www.pimlico.com/

http://www.baltimoremagazine.net/article.asp?t=1&m=1&c=32&s=546&ai=70081

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