Preakness Cocktail

Name: Preakness Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth; 1 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Whiskey; 1 dash Bitters; 1/2 tsp Benedictine

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The Preakness is a balanced classic cocktail combining whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine liqueur with bitters. This herbal, slightly sweet drink is ideal for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a less common cocktail.

🏷️Equipment: cocktail glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Whiskey
1 dash Bitters
1/2 tsp Benedictine

4 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Stir well with cracked ice and strain into 3 oz.
2
cocktail glass.
3
Add twist of lemon peel and drop in glass.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use quality whiskey—the spirit is the star, so choose a bottle you'd drink straight.
Chill your mixing glass and serving glass before stirring to keep the drink properly cold without excessive dilution.
Add bitters last and stir gently to distribute evenly; a single dash is enough to avoid overpowering the delicate balance.
Measure precisely with a jigger; the 1½:¾ ratio of whiskey to vermouth is critical to avoiding sweetness dominance.

Substitutions

Sweet vermouth → dry vermouth (creates a drier, less herbal profile)
Benedictine → Chartreuse (yellow variety for a more pronounced herbal note)
Old Mr. Boston Whiskey → Rye, bourbon, or Canadian whiskey (per recipe flexibility)

Equipment

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

Common Questions

Can I substitute the whiskey type?

Yes. Rye offers spice, Canadian whiskey brings smoothness, and blended whiskey provides versatility. Bourbon works well too. Choose based on your preference for intensity.

What does Benedictine add to this cocktail?

Benedictine contributes herbal complexity and subtle sweetness, balancing the whiskey's strength and adding depth the drink wouldn't have with vermouth alone.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir this cocktail with ice in a mixing glass for 20–30 seconds, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Stirring preserves the spirit-forward character.