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BEHIND THE STICK - with Patrick McCormick
May Means PREAKNESS!
After dating a girl in college some fifteen years ago, I proposed to her (And believe or not, she accepted!) and we found ourselves back in her native land of Baltimore Maryland.
We arrived here in a snowstorm with no employment and not a clue as to how this was going to work. Well, all of the sudden we were both employed, Davey Johnson had the Orioles in the play-offs and things were getting better. Time goes on and it becomes spring and this amazing thing called "The Preakness" is in town. I was addicted from the start. What an amazing sport! Just over a mile of track, one race, one chance, averaging just under a minute to finish and all for the chance to win a ridiculous amount of money (If you own the horse!) and the chance for a fan to enjoy a beautiful sport. My wife and I went to three Preakness events, back-to-back, and we did the infield. THAT IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT CAN ONLY BE APPRECIATED BY BEING THERE! In the am you cab it in (or park on various nearby lawns - which homeowners make a fortune on), drink while you're in line, find your "base camp" and drink, eat some food and drink, shoot the %$$# with people and drink (Are you noticing a theme?). As the day goes on you just embrace the insanity. After all that being said, let's talk about another great aspect of the races, the cocktails that go along with the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby has the Mint Julep, the Belmont Stakes has the Belmont Breeze (formally the White Carnation), and of course, the Preakness has the Black Eyed Susan. Whether you are in the infield or in the stands, the enjoyment to be had is a very intoxicating experience (no pun intended). Truly, the horses and the party that goes with it are an experience to be had by all. The Preakness is an event that one should do at least once. You will be a better (or not?) person for it. MINT JULEP (official cocktail of The Kentucky Derby) 7 - 12 mint leaves 1/2 oz. simple syrup 2 oz. whiskey of choice (Kentucky Bourbon recommended) Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup, add crushed ice and whiskey (into julep cup if available) and stir (not shake) until a nice layer of cold forms on the outside of the glass/cup Mint sprig for garnish WHITE CARNATION (former drink of the Belmont Stakes) 2 oz. vodka 1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps 2 oz. Orange Juice Splash of cream Top with soda water Serve on the rocks BELMONT BREEZE (Created by Dale Degroff in 1997) 1 1/2 Rye Whiskey 3/4 oz. Harvey's Bristol Cream 3/4 oz. Simple Syrup 1/2 Fresh lemon Juice 1 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice 1 oz. Soda Water 1 oz. 7-Up Shake and strain first five ingredients into iced highball, garnish with mint sprig, strawberry and lemon wedge PREAKNESS COCKTAIL (circa 1940) 2 oz. Rye 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth Dash Benedictine Dash simple Syrup Shake and strain into martini glass with a lemon twist BLACK EYED SUSAN (official cocktail of the Preakness) 1 oz. vodka 1 oz. Barbados Rum 1/2 oz. Orange Liqueur Top off with Orange and Pineapple Juice (I like to add a small shot of blackberry brandy in the center of the drink for effect) Build in glass and garnish with cherry, orange, pineapple and lime. Let's raise a glass to Barbaro and offer Cheers to All! Patrick McCormick has been bartending for over 11 years. He's currently the mixologist at The Oceanaire in Baltimore's Inner Harbor East.
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