The Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

 The Mint Julep is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, while the lesser known Black-Eyed Susan is the drink of choice for the upcoming Preakness Stakes.  The drink "was originally a pre-prepared cocktail issued by the Heublein company in 1973, but when Heublein refused to divulge the recipe, Pimlico (where the Preakness is run) came up with its own formula."  Here is the original recipe:

Black-Eyed Susan (original)

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse rum
• 3/4 oz. Cointreau
• 1 1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice

According to the Baltimore Sun, a recipe sounding very similar to the above appeared in a Junior League of Baltimore cookbook in 1985, and adds that "later versions called for a shot of peach schnapps. Pineapple juice came and went as a favored mixer. Grapefruit juice had a short run. Orange juice has been a constant, but some recipes call for [a] sizeable dose, and others suggest a simple 'splash.'"

But the current "official recipe" calls for a vodka and whiskey sour (maybe due to a certain liquor brand sponsorship)? 

Black-Eyed Susan (current)

• 3/4 oz. 42 Below vodka
• 1 1/4 oz. Early Times Kentucky Whisky 
• 3 oz. sweet and sour mix
• 2 oz. orange juice

Whatever the recipe, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of these served in the infield in about ten days in Baltimore.  Hosting a Preakness Party by chance?  If so, you'd better taste test the various recipes floating around out there and make sure you have it down by the 20th of May.  Hoping that there is reason to make a lot of toasts that night.