Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail Recipes: A Celebration of Maryland’s Signature Drink

The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail, a vibrant and refreshing mix, is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of Maryland. Officially recognized as the Preakness Stakes cocktail since 1973, this delightful concoction captures the spirit of the race and the state it represents. With its blend of light rum, vodka, orange juice, and pineapple juice, and a dash of grenadine, the Black-Eyed Susan offers a sweet and tangy taste that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several variations of the classic recipe, offering tips, tricks, and creative twists to help you craft the perfect Black-Eyed Susan for any occasion.

The Classic Black-Eyed Susan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s start with the original recipe, the foundation upon which all other variations are built. This recipe provides a balanced and authentic representation of the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Light Rum
• 1/2 ounce Vodka
• 2 ounces Orange Juice
• 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 ounce Grenadine
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Chill Your Glass: Place your cocktail glass (a hurricane glass or a highball glass works well) in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it. This helps keep your drink colder for longer.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the light rum, vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
3. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice. The ice helps to chill and slightly dilute the cocktail, creating a smoother and more palatable drink.
4. Shake Well: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This ensures that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and chilled.
5. Strain and Pour: Strain the mixture into your chilled glass filled with fresh ice. Straining removes any ice shards from the shaker, resulting in a cleaner, more enjoyable drinking experience.
6. Garnish: Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. You can also add a pineapple wedge for an extra tropical touch.
7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your refreshing Black-Eyed Susan cocktail!

Tips for the Perfect Classic:

• Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice and pineapple juice will significantly enhance the flavor of your cocktail compared to store-bought juice. The natural sweetness and acidity of fresh juice create a brighter and more vibrant taste.
• Quality Liquor Matters: Opt for a good quality light rum and vodka. While you don’t need top-shelf spirits, avoiding the cheapest options will result in a smoother and more flavorful cocktail.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of grenadine. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the grenadine to a smaller amount, or omit it entirely and add a dash of simple syrup instead.
• Ice is Key: Use plenty of ice in both the shaker and the glass. The ice not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly, which helps to balance the flavors.

Variations on the Black-Eyed Susan: Exploring New Flavors

While the classic Black-Eyed Susan is a timeless favorite, there’s plenty of room for experimentation. Here are a few variations that add a unique twist to this iconic cocktail.

Spiced Black-Eyed Susan

This variation adds a warm and spicy element to the classic recipe, perfect for cooler weather or for those who enjoy a bit of kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Spiced Rum
• 1/2 ounce Vodka
• 2 ounces Orange Juice
• 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 ounce Grenadine
• Dash of Angostura Bitters
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Follow the same instructions as the classic recipe, but substitute spiced rum for light rum and add a dash of Angostura bitters to the shaker.

Why it Works:

The spiced rum provides a warm, aromatic base, while the Angostura bitters add a layer of complexity and depth. This variation is a perfect choice for those who enjoy a more robust and flavorful cocktail.

Tropical Black-Eyed Susan

This variation enhances the tropical flavors of the original recipe, creating an even more refreshing and exotic drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Light Rum
• 1/2 ounce Coconut Rum
• 1/2 ounce Vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces Orange Juice
• 1 1/2 ounces Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 ounce Grenadine
• Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Follow the same instructions as the classic recipe, but add coconut rum along with the light rum and adjust the amounts of orange and pineapple juice.

Why it Works:

The coconut rum amplifies the tropical notes of the pineapple juice, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Garnish with a pineapple wedge for an extra touch of tropical flair.

Sparkling Black-Eyed Susan

This variation adds a touch of effervescence to the classic recipe, creating a celebratory and festive drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Light Rum
• 1/2 ounce Vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces Orange Juice
• 3/4 ounce Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 ounce Grenadine
• 2 ounces Sparkling Wine (Prosecco or Champagne)
• Orange twist and cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Follow the same instructions as the classic recipe, but use slightly less orange and pineapple juice.
2. After straining the mixture into your glass filled with ice, top with sparkling wine.
3. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.

Why it Works:

The sparkling wine adds a bubbly and refreshing element to the cocktail, making it perfect for special occasions or celebrations. The orange twist adds a fragrant aroma that complements the other flavors.

Black-Eyed Susan Margarita

A fun fusion that blends the flavors of a Black-Eyed Susan with the structure of a Margarita.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Tequila (Blanco or Silver)
• 1/2 ounce Light Rum
• 1/2 ounce Orange Liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1 ounce Orange Juice
• 1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 ounce Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 ounce Grenadine
• Salt or Sugar for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge and cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rim a margarita glass with salt or sugar (optional).
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, light rum, orange liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
3. Add ice to the shaker.
4. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared margarita glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and a cherry.

Why it Works:

The tequila and lime juice add a tangy and slightly tart element, while the orange liqueur enhances the citrus notes. This variation is a fun and unexpected twist on both the Black-Eyed Susan and the classic Margarita.

Non-Alcoholic Black-Eyed Susan (Mocktail)

Enjoy the flavors of a Black-Eyed Susan without the alcohol. This mocktail is perfect for designated drivers, non-drinkers, or anyone who wants a refreshing and flavorful beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Non-Alcoholic Rum (or Pineapple Juice)
• 1/2 ounce Non-Alcoholic Vodka (or Water)
• 2 ounces Orange Juice
• 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 ounce Grenadine
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Follow the same instructions as the classic recipe, but substitute non-alcoholic rum and vodka for the alcoholic versions. If you can’t find non-alcoholic spirits, use pineapple juice and water as alternatives.

Why it Works:

The non-alcoholic rum and vodka provide a similar base flavor to the original cocktail, while the orange and pineapple juice deliver the signature tropical sweetness. Grenadine adds a touch of color and sweetness.

Tips for Elevating Your Black-Eyed Susan:

• Infused Spirits: Consider using infused rums or vodkas to add even more flavor complexity. For example, a citrus-infused vodka or a vanilla-infused rum could add a unique twist to the cocktail.
• Homemade Grenadine: For a truly special Black-Eyed Susan, make your own grenadine. Homemade grenadine is typically less sweet and has a more complex flavor than store-bought versions.
• Garnish Creatively: Don’t limit yourself to just an orange slice and a cherry. Get creative with your garnishes! Use pineapple wedges, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg to add visual appeal and enhance the aroma of the cocktail.
• Batching for a Crowd: If you’re serving a large group, you can easily batch the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need, mix everything in a large pitcher, and chill until ready to serve. When serving, add ice to individual glasses and pour the pre-mixed cocktail over the ice. You can even pre-mix the cocktail a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to add the sparkling wine (if using) right before serving to preserve its fizz.
• Pairing Suggestions: The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail pairs well with a variety of foods. Its sweet and tangy flavors complement grilled seafood, spicy dishes, and tropical fruit salads. It’s also a great match for desserts like key lime pie or coconut cake.

Beyond the Recipe: The History and Significance of the Black-Eyed Susan

The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail is deeply intertwined with the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown. The race, held annually in Baltimore, Maryland, is a major event that draws crowds from all over the world. The Black-Eyed Susan flower is the state flower of Maryland, and it’s used to create the blanket that is draped over the winning horse. The cocktail was officially adopted as the Preakness Stakes drink in 1973, solidifying its place in Maryland’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion: A Toast to Tradition and Innovation

The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail is a versatile and delicious drink that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of the many variations, this cocktail is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, experiment with flavors, and raise a glass to Maryland’s signature drink – a symbol of tradition, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the Preakness Stakes. Cheers!