Preakness
Preakness is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine with aromatic bitters, chilled for serving.
Built to the standard modern spec; not yet tested in our kitchen. How we test.
The recipe.
Scaling adjusts quantities only. Prepare shaken drinks in individual portions.
Let’s make a good drink.
Chill a coupe and prepare the garnish before mixing.
Add all measured ingredients to a mixing glass.
Add ice and stir until thoroughly cold and gently diluted, tasting with a clean spoon if needed.
Strain into the prepared coupe.
Squeeze a fresh lemon peel over the surface for its oils, then remove it. Add a drained cocktail cherry on a pick.
A thoughtful finish
- Drain the garnish cherry so its syrup does not sweeten the drink further.
- Keep opened vermouth refrigerated so its flavor stays fresh between servings.
- Use solid ice and stir smoothly; stop once the mixture is cold and pleasantly diluted.
Common mistakes
- Bénédictine is a sweet herbal liqueur, not a dry amaro; substituting one changes the balance.
- Oxidized vermouth can taste dull or stale even when the spirit and measurements are correct.
- Stirring with mostly melted ice can make the drink watery before it becomes properly cold.
A few good questions.
What is in a Preakness?
Preakness is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine with aromatic bitters.
Can I scale a Preakness for more servings?
Multiply every measured ingredient by the same serving count. Prepare the measured still ingredients ahead if useful, but chill, shake or stir each serving as directed; add any carbonated finish at service.
Can I make this with an old bottle of vermouth?
Fresh, refrigerated vermouth gives a better result. If an opened bottle tastes oxidized or stale, replace it before judging the recipe’s balance.
Who created the Preakness?
The cited source credits George (head bartender; surname undocumented) in 1936 at Emerson Hotel. The recipe-version note identifies any later adaptation.
Variations
- Another vermouth producer — Editorial bottle variation: use the same vermouth styles and measures from another producer; botanical character and sweetness can change.
- Alternate citrus peel — Editorial presentation variation: try a different fresh citrus peel for the surface aroma while keeping the liquid formula unchanged; identify it as a garnish change.
Where it comes from
1936 · Baltimore, Maryland, USA · George (head bartender; surname undocumented) · Emerson Hotel
Preakness is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine with aromatic bitters, chilled for serving.
Sources
- Difford’s Guide — Preakness Cocktail Recipe (reference) link
Strength. About 1.68 US standard drinks at an estimated 30.2% ABV, estimated from the ingredients and technique, not measured. What that means.
A little character in every sip.
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