ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH-THE PREAKNESS

By Pink Lady
The Triple Crown is under way this month, which means it’s time to drink cocktails in a fancy hat! While it might not be the official cocktail of the Preakness Stakes, the drink that shares a name with this second jewel of the Triple Crown is a delight. I highly recommend sipping one of these as you watch the Run for the Black Eyed Susans on May 17th.

The Preakness was created in 1936 by George Backert while he was head bartender at the Emerson Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. This drink was his entry into a contest to find the signature cocktail of the Preakness Ball, which was being celebrated for the first time that season. The Preakness Stakes was, and is, a time for all Baltimoreans to celebrate, but it was especially so for the city’s high society in 1936. Each year, one young, high society lady was feted as Queen of the ball. Male guests, who also participated in a fox hunt and Steeplechase, would traditionally wear pink.

The Preakness’ official cocktail, the Black Eyed Susan, changes frequently based on the events’ liquor sponsors, but is typically made with some variation of vodka and rum, orange and other juices, and a fruit liqueur. It was first mixed up in the 1970s and reflects the proclivities for vodka based sour drinks of that time. Likewise, Backert’s Preakness is strong and stirred and would have suited the flavor preferences of his era. It also suits mine!

THE PREAKNESS

2 ounces of rye whiskey
1 ounce of sweet vermouth
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
1/2 teaspoon of Bénédictine

Stir ingredients with ice.
strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
garnish with a lemon twist.

Cin-cin!