Step up your cocktail game with the Preakness Cocktail recipe! The enticing blend of bourbon, Benedictine, and sweet vermouth ensures every sip is memorable.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
246
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz sweet Vermouth
- ½ oz Benedictine
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
- Cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Chill your cocktail glass stirring some ice cubes.
- Mix Ingredients: In the mixing glass, combine 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters, ½ oz Benedictine, 1 oz sweet Vermouth, and 2 oz Bourbon.
- Stir Gently: Using a bar spoon, stir the ingredients well together with ice cubes.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your empty and chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist and cherry for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: When I'm out of bourbon, rye whiskey makes a great substitute, offering a slightly spicier kick.
- Sweet Vermouth: Just as I've done with the Negroni, dry vermouth can step in, but consider adding a splash of simple syrup to maintain the cocktail's sweetness.
- Benedictine: If Benedictine isn't on hand, I've used other herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse or Drambuie. The taste profile shifts, but the result is still delightful.
- Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters or Peychaud's bitters can be used, though it slightly alters the drink's flavor.
Making a Pitcher of Preakness Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher for 8 servings, use 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, 4 oz of Benedictine, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, blend the bourbon, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters. Add some ice and stir thoroughly.
- Serve: Strain and pour into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish each with a lemon twist and cherry, and serve promptly.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative available in the market to replicate the rich flavor of bourbon.
- Benedictine Substitute: Use an herbal tea syrup with chamomile, lemon, and honey.
- Vermouth and Angostura Bitters: luckily there are non-alcoholic options that will mimic the flavor.
- Continue As Usual: Replace alcoholic ingredients with these alternatives and follow the original recipe steps for a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Cherry Garnish: Some maraschino cherries are processed with non-vegan ingredients. Use vegan-certified cherries or a fresh cherry instead to ensure your cocktail is vegan.
What is a Preakness Drink?
Preakness Cocktail is a blend featuring bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine. Enthusiasts appreciate its balanced interplay of strong, herbal, and slightly sweet flavors. Historians trace its origin back to classic cocktail eras, a testament to its enduring appeal. The name “Preakness” might remind some of the famous horse race, but its true origin in the cocktail world remains a topic of debate. Despite its storied past, you don’t need to be a bartender extraordinaire to appreciate a Preakness Cocktail. Its legacy as a beloved drink stands firm in the cocktail community, combining tradition and taste in every glass.
What is a Preakness Drink made of – The ingredients
Prepare your Preakness making by having these ingredients ready:
- Bourbon: The primary spirit provides the drink with its rich, oaky backbone.
- Sweet Vermouth: A fortified wine, it introduces a touch of sweetness and aromatic complexity.
- Benedictine: An herbal liqueur adds depth and a hint of spiciness to the cocktail.
- Angostura Bitters: Enhances the flavors, uniting the ingredients with their aromatic qualities.
- Lemon Twist: Used as a garnish, it contributes a citrusy aroma that complements the drink’s overall profile.
- Cherry: Another garnish option, it offers a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
