Categories

About

The Preakness Cocktail is a sophisticated pre-Prohibition stirred drink that shares its name with one of the three races in American thoroughbred horse racing's Triple Crown — the Preakness Stakes, run annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It combines bourbon whiskey with sweet vermouth, a measure of Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters — a combination that produces a rich, herbal, deeply complex stirred cocktail in the Manhattan tradition but with an additional layer of French herbal liqueur complexity.

The Preakness and Its Racing Legacy

The Preakness Stakes has been run at Pimlico since 1873, making it one of the oldest sporting events in America. Baltimore's racing culture and the cocktail culture of Maryland's grand hotels were deeply intertwined during the Gilded Age and through Prohibition, and the Preakness Cocktail emerged from this context as a celebratory drink worthy of the occasion. Maryland has its own whiskey traditions — the state was once home to a significant rye whiskey industry, and while that industry was largely destroyed by Prohibition, Maryland rye remains a distinct and revered style among whiskey enthusiasts. A traditional Maryland rye, if available, makes an exceptional Preakness Cocktail; otherwise, any good bourbon or high-rye bourbon is an excellent substitute. For more context on bourbon and whiskey cocktail traditions, see MixDrinkEnjoy's whiskey cocktail guide.

Flavor Profile

The Preakness sits in the sweet spot between a Manhattan and a Bobby Burns — it shares the Manhattan's bourbon-vermouth foundation but gains the herbal complexity of Bénédictine and the aromatic spice of Angostura bitters. The result is rich, warming, and multi-layered: bourbon provides vanilla, caramel, and oak; sweet vermouth adds dark fruit and herbs; Bénédictine contributes honey, saffron, and its 27-herb blend; and Angostura gives the final aromatic note of clove, cinnamon, and citrus peel. The cocktail is spirit-forward and robust but not heavy — the Bénédictine's sweetness and the vermouth's fruit character keep it from feeling harsh. Those who enjoy the Boulevardier will find the Preakness offers similar depth with a distinctly different flavor direction. The Old Fashioned lover who wants to explore more complex stirred bourbon drinks will find the Preakness a natural and rewarding next step.

The Manhattan Family Connection

The Preakness Cocktail is firmly in the Manhattan family of drinks — stirred, spirit-forward, served up, and built on the whiskey-vermouth foundation that defines the Manhattan and its cousins. The key distinction is Bénédictine, which also appears in the Bobby Burns (with Scotch) and the Vieux Carré (with both rye and cognac). These drinks share a common ancestor and a common philosophy: that a small amount of a complex herbal liqueur can transform a solid whiskey-vermouth cocktail into something extraordinary. See the Bénédictine ingredient page for the full family of cocktails that feature this remarkable French liqueur, and compare the Preakness with the sweet vermouth cocktail collection to understand the Manhattan template's remarkable versatility.

How to Make and Serve

Stir all ingredients with ice for 25–30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass. The Preakness is served up — no ice in the glass — to keep the drink concentrated and allow its complex aromas to be appreciated. Garnish with a lemon twist: express the essential oils over the surface of the drink, rub the peel around the rim, and drop it in. Some recipes suggest a cherry garnish for a more approachable, sweeter presentation. According to The Spruce Eats, the classic ratio is 1.5 oz bourbon to 0.75 oz sweet vermouth to 0.25 oz Bénédictine — adjusting the Bénédictine upward (to 0.5 oz) creates a sweeter, more herb-forward result for those who enjoy the liqueur's distinctive character. See MixDrinkEnjoy's cocktail techniques guide for stirring and straining best practices.

Variations

Rye whiskey can replace bourbon in the Preakness for a drier, spicier result — the rye's assertiveness stands up well against Bénédictine's sweetness. Orange bitters can supplement or replace the Angostura for a brighter, more citrus-forward aromatic note. A half-rinse of absinthe in the serving glass before pouring introduces an anise note that adds another dimension of complexity — this creates a drink that starts to approach the Sazerac in its herbal character. A split vermouth (half sweet, half dry) produces a drier Preakness that foregrounds the whiskey more assertively. Liquor.com's Manhattan variations guide offers additional context for the broader family of whiskey-vermouth stirred drinks that the Preakness belongs to.

Food Pairings and Occasions

The Preakness is a natural cocktail for the Mint Julep's racing season neighbors — while the Julep dominates Kentucky Derby celebrations, the Preakness Cocktail belongs to the second leg of the Triple Crown. It pairs beautifully with aged cheddar, duck confit, braised short rib, dark chocolate, and any dish with richness that benefits from the Bénédictine's herbal counterpoint. As a dinner cocktail or a nightcap, it is excellent. For racing day entertaining, serve it alongside the bourbon cocktail collection to give guests a full tour of American whiskey's cocktail heritage.