Preakness Cocktail

Pro tips

• Stir gently with ice for exactly 30 seconds—over-dilution flattens the herbal complexity.
• Use fresh ice; cloudy or old ice melts faster and weakens balance.
• Chill your glass beforehand; a cold vessel keeps the drink properly tempered.
• Measure precisely with a jigger; ratios are critical to the whiskey-vermouth harmony.

Substitutions

• Old Thompson Blended Whiskey → Rye whiskey or any quality blended whiskey (maintains structure)
• Sweet Vermouth → Carpano Antica Formula or Dolin dry vermouth (shifts profile from sweet to dry)
• Benedictine → Green Chartreuse or Drambuie (alters herbal character)

Equipment

bar spoon · jigger · mixing glass · strainer · coupe or rocks glass

What whiskey works best for a Preakness Cocktail?

Old Thompson blended whiskey is traditional, but any quality blended whiskey or rye works. Avoid high-proof spirits that overpower the vermouth balance.

Can I make a Preakness Cocktail without Benedictine?

Benedictine adds distinct herbal notes; omitting it creates a basic whiskey-vermouth drink. A dash of Chartreuse or another herbal liqueur can substitute.

Should a Preakness Cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir gently with ice for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly; strain into a coupe or rocks glass. Shaking is not traditional for this spirit-forward cocktail.

What bitters are recommended?

Angostura bitters is the classic choice; a single dash is sufficient. Avoid over-bittering, which masks the vermouth and Benedictine.

What glassware should I use?

Serve in a coupe glass for an up cocktail or a rocks glass with ice. Either presentation is acceptable.