Preakness recipe
An elegant Prohibition-era rye and Bénédictine cocktail balancing herbal depth and rich vermouth spice.
Method: Stir and strain ·
Glass: Chilled coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz straight rye whiskey (100 proof recommended)
- 3/4 oz sweet vermouth (Italian rosso)
- 1/4 oz Bénédictine D.O.M. (herbal liqueur)
- 1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters
How to make a Preakness
- Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
- Stir briskly for thirty seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain the liquid through a fine Hawthorne strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon twist expressed over the surface.
Garnish
Express the essential oils of a fresh lemon twist over the surface and discard or rest on the rim.
Pro tip
Use a high-proof rye whiskey to prevent the rich herbal sweetness of Bénédictine and vermouth from overwhelming the cocktail's structure. Stir thoroughly to achieve optimal chilling without over-diluting.
History of the Preakness
The Preakness cocktail emerged during the early 20th century as a sophisticated rye-forward variation of the classic Manhattan, incorporating Bénédictine for added herbal complexity. While frequently associated with Maryland's historic Preakness Stakes horse race, beverage historians note that the drink's exact origin remains somewhat disputed, with early recipes appearing in cocktail manuals predating modern commercial event libations. Unlike the fruit-heavy Black-Eyed Susan that later became the race's official commercial drink, the Preakness remains valued as a spirit-forward classic that highlights pre-Prohibition bartending craftsmanship.
Flavour profile
Herbal, Rich, Spicy, Complex
Variations
- Black Manhattan — Substitutes Amaro CioCiaro or Averna for sweet vermouth to deepen the bitter-chocolate profile.
- Vieux Carré — Combines rye whiskey and cognac with sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both Angostura and Peychaud's bitters.
Practise making the Preakness in the free Virtual Bar game.