Despite the mint julep’s high profile, the Derby isn’t the only Triple Crown race with its own cocktail. The Preakness has a signature libation, too. And at Baltimore’s annual post-run Winners Circle Wind Down, the Black-Eyed Susans taste a little different. That’s because Woodberry Kitchen mixologist, partner, and Director of Operations Corey Polyoka applies his restaurant’s regional, farm-driven ethos to the Preakness’s official cocktail. Instead of vodka—traditionally the drink’s primary spirit—his recipe uses Breuckelen rye. “I love rye and try to use it whenever I can for the historic tie,” he says. “So much rye has been made in the area in the past, and it’s starting to be produced around here again.” Rum goes in, as usual; Polyoka sources his from Lyon Distilling in nearby St. Michaels. Lightly acidic verjus, the sweet-tart pressed juice of unripened grapes, replaces store-bought sour mix (you can buy it here or you can sub in a mixture of lemon and lime juice), and pitted cherries add sweetness. “This version hits that same tropical note as the original,” Polyoka says, “but it’s more balanced and technique-driven.”
