Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Peach Schnapps
- 2 oz orange juice
- 2 oz sour mix
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherry and orange slice - for garnish
Equipment
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Juices: Take a cocktail shaker and pour in 2 oz orange juice and 2 oz sour mix.
- Add Spirits: Now, pour 1 oz Bourbon, 1 oz Vodka, and 1 oz Peach Schnapps into the shaker as well.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Discard the ice in the Highball glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to strain the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a Maraschino cherry and an orange slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute rye I've also tried using dark rum for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Vodka: You can replace vodka with gin if you prefer a more botanical taste. Tequila works, too, giving it a unique twist. Maybe adjust the quantity to taste: while vodka is a rather neutral spirit, these substitutes are stronger in taste and will give your drink an extra layer of flavor.
- Peach Schnapps: If you're out of peach schnapps, try using apricot brandy or a splash of peach syrup or nectar for a non-alcoholic option.
- Sour Mix: If you don't have a sour mix, make your own by combining fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, warm water and powdered sugar. Start with equal parts of each, stir well to combine and dissolve the sugar and adjust to taste if necessary.
Making a Pitcher of Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of vodka, and 8 oz of peach schnapps, along with 16 oz of orange juice and 16 oz of sour mix.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled highball glasses and garnish each glass with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic bourbon's flavor profile. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own bourbon substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka alternative or simply sparkling water or ginger ale to maintain the volume without adding flavor.
- Peach Schnapps Substitute: Use peach nectar or peach-flavored syrup instead of peach schnapps.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The standard recipe is vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. Ensure your sour mix is vegan (some commercial mixes may contain egg whites): if in doubt, you can easily make your own sour mix at home by combining equal parts fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, powdered sugar and water. You may also check the label of your maraschino cherries as some brands still use cochineal as a coloring agent (the classic candied cherries by Luxardo and Fabri are great vegan-friendly options).What is a Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail?
A Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is a long-drink cocktail made of bourbon, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix. This cocktail is named after the Maryland state flower and is traditionally served at the Preakness Stakes horse race.

What is a Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail made of – The ingredients
These ingredients are needed for a Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail:
- Bourbon: Adds a rich, round flavor to the cocktail.
- Vodka: Provides a neutral base that balances the other flavors.
- Peach Schnapps: Brings a sweet, fruity note to the drink.
- Orange Juice: Adds a refreshing citrus element.
- Sour Mix: Contributes a tangy, sweet-and-sour taste.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for balance.
- Maraschino Cherry and Orange Slice (for garnish): Enhances the presentation and adds a hint of extra flavor & sweetness.







