BLACK-EYED SUSANS

The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail got its name from the blanket of Black-Eyed Susan flowers that is draped over the winning horse at the Preakness Stakes. The 2000 flowers that make up the blanket are actually mums. Black-eyed Susans do not bloom until summer. This Maryland horse race is held the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course, in Baltimore. There are several recipes for this cocktail but I think this is closer to the official drink. I tweaked it a bit by giving it another ounce of St Germain and a little more lime juice. Some recipes call for vodka and bourbon, as well as a sour mix, but I think this is delicious and refreshing and you can actually taste St Germain.

1 cup vodka

3 oz St Germain Liqueur (elderflower liqueur)

1 cup pineapple juice

2 oz lime juice

3 oz orange juice

4 Maraschino cherries, with stems

8 orange wedges         

In a pitcher or large cocktail shaker, mix together the vodka, St Germain, pineapple juice, lime juice, and orange juice.

Fill four glasses ¾ full with pounded or crushed ice.

Divide mixture between the four glasses.


Put two orange wedges on a cocktail pick and add a cherry.

Makes 4 drinks