The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail has been a part of this famous Maryland race day since 1973.

Learn how to make a Black-Eyed Susan cocktail.

Ingredients for a Black-Eyed Susan

The recipe for a Black-Eyed Susan has changed over the years.

Southern Living Black Eyed Susan cocktail in glasses to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Orange juice and vodka are a staple, but the rest of the recipe can vary.

They’re practically first cousins.

Here’s an outline of how it comes together:

What Does a Black-Eyed Susan Taste Like?

black-eyed susan ingredients in bowls

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sweet, tart, and refreshing, this cocktail still manages to be complex.

We love this cocktail for a hot summer day.

It’s boozy with sweet upfront citrus notes and strong spirits finishing notes.

Southern Living Black Eyed Susan adding the liquor to the cocktail shaker

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Some testers preferred the light rum over the bourbon, but both options work well.

One note from all who tried it?

It’s heavy on the booze and a little sneaky.

Southern Living Black Eyed Susan Cocktail adding the ice to the shaker

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients

1/4cupsour mix

2Tbsp.

)light rum or bourbon

2Tbsp.

Strain cocktail over ice:

Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

Southern Living Black Eyed Susan cocktail pouring into the ice filled glass

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Garnish, and serve:

Garnish with an orange wedge and cherry.

Frequently Asked Questions

At the Kentucky Derby, you’ll be sipping amint julep.

At the Preakness Stakes, you’ll enjoy a Black-Eyed Susan, a tribute to Maryland’s state flower.

Southern Living Black Eyed Susan cocktail garnished with an orange wedge and cherry

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

At New York’s Belmont Stakes, everyone’s enjoying a White Carnation.