A variation on the classic Manhattan, the Preakness cocktail is an herbaceous and delicious cocktail that’s easy to make. The name of the cocktail comes from an annual horse race, the Preakness Stakes, and I guess is meant to symbolize a day at the track; tasting the sweetness of victory (vermouth) and the bitterness of defeat (Benedictine). Though, that’s just my interpretation of this classic cocktail.
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Preakness
A prohibition-era whiskey cocktail that originally asks for "blended whiskey". But we have easy access to good bourbon and rye these days so opt for one of those. Course DrinksCuisine CocktailKeyword Benedictine, Bitters, bourbon, Lemon, Red Vermouth, rye Prep Time 5 minutesEquipment
- Jigger
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Cocktail glass (chilled)
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Bourbon or Rye
- .75 oz Sweet Vermouth (red)
- .5 tsp Benedictine
- 2-3 dashes Bitters
- 1 peel Lemon
Instructions
- Load a mixing glass with ice
- Add all ingredients except lemon
- Stir 20-30 seconds to desired dilution
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Express lemon peel and add as garnish
- Enjoy
Video
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Notes
It's a fairly dry cocktail with a nice herbally pop. The bourbon works well, but honestly, I think a rye would do even better and add more complexity to it.When making the Preakness pictured, I used an Old Grand-Dad from 1949. I wanted to enjoy a vintage cocktail using a vintage bourbon and it felt appropriate. It was delicious. However, for many many reasons, this is obviously not practical so don’t take the photo literally, I was just having some fun.
While OGD is a good bourbon for this, I’ve found that I actually like using either Wild Turkey 101 or Wild Turkey Rye 101 when making these. Both of these whiskeys give the cocktail a good punch from the proof, but also lend the right amounts of sweetness or spice depending on which you want to increase or highlight. And speaking of highlight.
I have Cocchi pictured because it’s one of my favorite vermouths, but it is quite herbal and can be a bit much for some folks when you have Benedictine and bitters present as well. If you don’t like drier, more herbal, cocktails, go for a classic sweet red Vermouth. It will bring up the sweetness in your cocktail and should make it more palatable for more of your guests, or yourself. No judgment here.
Like most cocktails, the Preakness is incredibly versatile and can easily be tailored to your own, or your guest’s tastes. If you’re planning an evening with cocktails you can shift the profile of the cocktail easily by having two of, almost, everything on hand. Two styles of whiskey (bourbon and rye), two styles of red vermouth (herbaceous and traditional sweet) and two styles of bitters (traditional or something fruity). Benedictine is Benedictine and non-Myer lemons are lemons. Though you could always sub them out for orange peels as well.
