A few weeks ago, the 145th Kentucky Derby horse race was run. It will be remembered for years to come, as the first horse to cross the finish line was disqualified after blocking the paths of several other horses by changing lanes without clearance. This was the first disqualification due to a racetrack infraction in the history of the Kentucky Derby. One of the horses blocked was Country House, the second horse across the finish line. He was declared the winner of the race.

This weekend, the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes (the second race in the Triple Crown series) will be held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD, although for the first time in 20+ years, the Kentucky Derby winner is not part of the lineup. (Country House came down with a cough and withdrew from this race.) As with the Derby, there are traditional foods and beverages associated with the Preakness. On the cocktail front, it is the Black-Eyed Susan. The drink gets its name from the Maryland state flowers that are used to make the blanket that adorns the winner of the race. And although there are different variations of the drink, we like the depth of flavor that rye whiskey brings to the drink, and the fact that Maryland was once (and is working to be again) a powerhouse in rye whiskey production.

Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Makes: 2 drinks, Time Required: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce Triple Sec
• 4 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
• 4 ounces orange juice
• orange slices and pitted sweet dark cherries for garnish

Directions:

Half fill two rocks glasses with ice. Pour the vodka, whiskey, Triple Sec, and juices into a glass large enough to hold 16 ounces.

Combine the alcohol & the juices.

Stir the liquids together then pour the drinks over the ice into the two serving glasses. Add a slice of orange and a cherry to each glass and serve.

This cocktail is a tribute to the state of Maryland!

May the fastest horse win!  ~Linda

Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Makes: 2 drinks, Time Required: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce Triple Sec
• 4 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
• 4 ounces orange juice
• orange slices and pitted sweet dark cherries for garnish

Directions:

Half fill two rocks glasses with ice. Pour the vodka, whiskey, Triple Sec, and juices into a glass large enough to hold 16 ounces. Stir the liquids together then pour the drinks over the ice into the two serving glasses. Add a slice of orange and a cherry to each glass and serve.