Preakness Cocktail

Manhattan & Riffs • December 16, 2025

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A photo of the Rye Reverie cocktail containing Willett Family Estate Bottled 4 Year Rye, Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth, Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur, Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Chilled water (reduce if wet ice) in a Coupe.

Curiada Ingredients

1.50 fl oz Willett Family Estate Bottled 4 Year Rye or alternative
0.75 fl oz Martini & Rossi Rosso Sweet Vermouth or alternative
0.50 fl oz Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur or alternative
1.00 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters or alternative

Other Ingredients

0.50 fl oz Chilled water (reduce if wet ice)

Directions

Chill coupe glass
Add all ingredients to mixing glass with ice
Stir well
Express oils from lemon zest twist over drink and discard zest
Strain into chilled coupe glass
Garnish with maraschino cherry

Cocktail Description

A devilishly seductive Manhattan variant that draws you in with its perfect balance of spicy rye warmth and subtle herbal complexity.

The Preakness Cocktail takes the classic Manhattan formula and elevates it with the addition of Bénédictine D.O.M., bringing honeyed herbal notes that beautifully complement the bold, spicy character of Rittenhouse Rye. Each sip offers layers of flavor—warm baking spices from the whiskey, rich dark fruit from the sweet vermouth, and an aromatic honey-herb sweetness from the Bénédictine, all unified by the bitters. This sophisticated cocktail makes an excellent choice for cool autumn evenings or as a pre-dinner aperitif when you want something stirred and spirit-forward but with added depth. Relatively straightforward to make, it requires only basic stirring technique, though precise measurements will reward you with perfect balance. Pair this rich cocktail with savory dishes like roasted game meats, mushroom risotto, or dark chocolate desserts that can stand up to its bold flavor profile.