The black-eyed Susan: It's not just the state flower, it's also a mixed drink. And as the official beverage of the Preakness, the bourbon and fruit juice concoction just might be the city's hottest cocktail for the next two weeks.
Pimlico consultant and historian Joseph Kelly said it has been the official libation -- the queen of all drinks at the world-famous Baltimore horse race -- for about 25 years.
And as tradition would have it, the concession stands will be serving black-eyed Susans this year as well, Kelly said. But with the infield packed with partiers, it may be tough to flag down that concessions guy to get a fix of the Southern-style drink. You and your friends are getting up early to get a good spot on the infield. So why lose your crucial post to some drunk guy when you leave to buy a drink?
Not to worry. Several local bars, including those listed below, will be serving the drink during race week, with many spots offering race-day specials:
* Mt. Washington Tavern, 5700 Newbury St.
* Dead End Saloon, 935 Fell St.
* Kooper's Tavern, 1702 Thames St.
* Max's on Broadway, 735 S. Broadway
* Edgar's, 1 E. Pratt St.
Recipe
Or, if you prefer, try this at home. Joseph Kelly says a black-eyed Susan should be made by combining the following:
* orange juice
* lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 1/2 ounces of "good" bourbon
Shake and serve in a tumbler over crushed ice.
drinksmixer.com offers a recipe for black-eyed Susan punch, as follows:
* 1 1/4 cup vodka
* 4 cups orange juice
* 1 1/4 cup light rum
* 3/4 cup triple sec
* 1 ice ring with fruit
* 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
* 4 cups pineapple juice
Serve in a large bowl. Makes 10 large servings.
