Since we were out of town for the Kentucky Derby, we decided to have a Preakness party (even though we are within driving distance of Baltimore, where the actual Preakness is run). I made some items that were derby-themed, and we didn’t have any crab cakes (since they’ll kill me), but I figured a pitcher of black-eyed Susans was required.

It turns out that the official recipe for the official drink of the Preakness has changed recently, and the current one sounds delicious but fancy — with a lot of highfalutin ingredients. Since I wasn’t in the mood to make lemongrass and blackberry simple syrup, I went with a more traditional version.

So… these are pretty strong. And we made the mistake of using bourbon instead of rum as one of the types of alcohol. That was a bad plan. But they weren’t bad — definitely a good drink to sip while waiting for the big race. Just don’t drink it too fast!

Black-eyed Susans (makes one pitcher, 5 large drinks)
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh-squeezed is preferable)
3/4 cup vodka
3/4 cup light rum
1/4 cup triple sec (Cointreau)
Ice

Stir all ingredients together in a pitcher, then add several ice cubes. Chill and then serve.