Black Eyed Susan Cocktail: A Fruity, Festive Drink in Minutes

If you’re after a drink that’s both fruity and refreshing, with a touch of uniqueness, then the Black-eyed Susan cocktail is a great choice. This drink mixes vodka, spiced rum, peach schnapps, and fresh citrus juices into a smooth, tropical cocktail. It was first made as the official drink of the Preakness Stakes and is full of bright flavors with a nice kick, making it perfect for anything from outdoor BBQs and having friends over to quiet evenings at home.

It’s also easy to make. All it takes is a bit of shaking—no need for a blender or cutting. (Well, you might have to squeeze some juice!) Believe me, after the first sip, this cocktail recipe will be your favorite choice for any event.

yellow cocktail with flower and cherry

Black Eyed Susan Cocktail

An easy and refreshing drink, this fruity cocktail is the official drink of the Preakness. Stronger than it looks and perfect for a party.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1 drink

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • strainer
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Bar spoon

Ingredients 

  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce spiced rum
  • 1 ounce peach schnapps
  • 2 ounce pineapple juice (bottled or freshly juiced)
  • 2 ounce orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 ounce ginger ale
  • orange slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions 

  • Shake the ingredients.  Add the vodka, rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and freshly squeezed orange juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds or until the mixture is well chilled.
    mason jar cocktail shaker
  • Pour over ice.  Strain the shaken mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice, leaving some space for the ginger ale at the top.
  • Top with ginger ale.  Pour a splash of ginger ale on the drink to add a bit of fizz.
  • Garnish and serve.  Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a fresh orange slice. You can add a black-eyed Susan flower for an extra festive touch.
    glass with drink being poured in

Notes

Fresh orange and pineapple juice makes the drink taste better and brighter than juice from a bottle.  Bottled juice works if you’re in a hurry, but fresh juice makes the drink special.
Choosing decent vodka and rum is important for this drink because it’s mostly alcohol.  You don’t need the most expensive kind, but stay away from the very cheap ones to keep your drink tasting good and well-balanced.
If you don’t like your drink too sweet, play around with how much pineapple and orange juice you use.  Since pineapple juice is sweeter, add more orange juice to make it less sweet.
Use less peach schnapps or ginger ale if the drink is too sweet.  If you like it sweeter, add a bit more schnapps or juice.
Orange slices and cherries are the usual garnishes, but you can try something new!  Maybe add a mint leaf or a pineapple slice to make it look more interesting.
Feel free to change the recipe to what you like!  Some people add a bit of lime juice for a tangy taste or use a different liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau for a citrusy kick.
Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 116IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.3mg

I love making this drink! This tropical mix of vodka, spiced rum, peach schnapps, and fresh citrus juices is always a hit, whether I’m hosting friends or just relaxing at home. Its cute name makes it even more fun, especially when adding a fresh flower as decoration. The best part? It’s super easy to make. I mix it, top it off with ginger ale, and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry—simple yet incredibly tasty!

If you love rum-based drinks, you might also enjoy the Strawberry Pineapple Rum Cocktail for a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail.

drink next to window

I’m confident you’ll find it just as delicious.

Tips for the Best Black Eyed Susan Cocktail

  • Mixing the ingredients with ice cools them down and mixes them well, making your drink smooth. Shake it hard for about 10-15 seconds to mix it properly.
  • When you shake your drink, don’t fill the cocktail shaker all the way. Having some room lets everything mix well and cools it evenly. If you’re making drinks for a few people, do it in smaller amounts at a time.
  • Once you add the ginger ale, wait a minute before drinking. This lets the flavors mix well with the bubbles, enhancing the taste.
  • For a colder drink, put your glass in the freezer for a bit (10-15 minutes) before you make your drink. This helps keep your drink cold and tasty for longer.
  • Using crushed ice instead of whole cubes can make your drink even cooler. It cools the drink quicker and adds a fun, slushy texture, which is great for warm weather.
  • If you have guests, you can make a big batch in a pitcher. Just remember to add the ginger ale before serving to keep it bubbly. This makes it easier for everyone to get their drinks without waiting.

You’ll need some specific ingredients and tools to whip up this cocktail. Some might already be in your kitchen, while others might be new. Keep these in mind:

ingredients on counter
  • Peach schnapps: This adds a sweet, fruity flavor to your drink. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any, try using orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier.
  • Spiced rum: It brings a gentle warmth and goes well with the fruity bits. Look for it in the liquor aisle. If you’ve only got regular rum, that’s fine too—your cocktail will taste a bit softer.
  • Fresh orange juice: Squeezing your oranges makes the drink fresher and tastier than store-bought juice. Bottled juice is okay if you’re short on time, but fresh juice makes a difference.
  • Ginger ale: Adding ginger ale gives your drink a bubbly, slightly spicy finish. If you’re not into sweetness or want more of a kick, try club soda or ginger beer instead.

Paying attention to these ingredients will help you make a great drink. Feel free to tweak or swap things out based on what you like or have.

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail is best served with a shrimp cocktail, grilled chicken skewers, a fresh fruit platter, mini crab cakes, or a cheese and charcuterie board.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use a different type of rum?

Yes! If you don’t have spiced rum on hand, you can use light or dark rum, but remember that spiced rum adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor. If you substitute, the drink will taste slightly different but still good!

Can I make this less sweet?

Yes, you can dial back the sweetness by using less peach schnapps or ginger ale. You could use club soda instead of ginger ale for a lighter, less sweet finish.

What’s the best type of glass to serve this in?

A highball or rocks glass is perfect for this cocktail. Just make sure it’s filled with ice, and you’re good to go!

Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Definitely! You can skip the vodka, rum, and schnapps and mix the juices with ginger ale for a refreshing mocktail. It won’t have the same kick, but it’s still delicious!

Can I make this drink ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can mix everything except the ginger ale ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled mix over ice and add a splash of ginger ale to each glass. For more easy cocktails with fresh juices, check out the Spiced Rum and Pineapple Juice Cocktail for another vibrant option.

How do I make a bigger batch for a crowd?

It’s super easy! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix everything in a pitcher. Add the ginger ale right before serving so it keeps its fizz.

Storage Instructions

This drink is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the mix of juices and alcohol. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can mix all the ingredients except the ginger ale and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to serve, stir it well, pour it over ice, and top it with ginger ale.

If you have leftovers, store the pre-mixed cocktail (without the ginger ale) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day. Be sure to add fresh ginger ale to keep the drink fizzy when you serve it.

If you plan to make the cocktail ahead of time or store leftovers, keep the mixture (without ginger ale) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to refrigerate it promptly to maintain freshness. For more details on proper refrigeration practices, check out this USDA guide on food safety and refrigeration.

The cocktail is a tasty and refreshing drink that’s great for any occasion, from hanging out with friends to celebrating something special. It’s easy to whip up with just a few basic ingredients, and you can quickly make a popular drink that everyone will love. Whether entertaining guests or relaxing at home, this recipe is a perfect choice. It mixes rum, vodka, and fresh juices for a tropical taste that’s fun but not too complicated. Try making it, play around with the tastes, and enjoy a simple and delicious drink. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time after time!

drink on cutting board next to flowers
picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating