For those of us who will be tuning in to watch the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, we can feel that much more a part of the scene with a Black-Eyed Susan in our glass. That’s the official cocktail of the Preakness, a drink that reflects that beautiful flower that’s in bloom all over Maryland at this time of year. The cocktail is a blend of vodka, orange juice, and sometimes bourbon and peach schnapps. There are lots of recipes you can look up to make it official. My take on that, however, is something lighter and brighter but still in keeping with the occasion. It’s a “mimini.” I just made that word up. It’s a combination of “mimosa” and “bellini.” One is orange juice and sparkling wine, the other is peach juice and sparkling wine. Here’s the mimini for the Preakness: In a cocktail shaker full of ice, combine 2 ounces pulp-free orange juice and 1 ounce peach schnapps. Shake and pour into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine. My choice is the tried-and-true Freixenet Cordon Negro, a nice dry cava from Spain. Top with a maraschino cherry if you want to get fancy. Cheers!
