There’s something undeniably timeless about a Horse’s Neck. With its warm, citrusy kick and a fizzy ginger finish, this cocktail is both refreshing and comforting. It’s one of those drinks that feels just as at home on a sunny patio as it does next to a roaring fireplace. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a little tip I picked up along the way: the garnish isn’t just for looks, it really brings the whole thing together.
Horse's Neck
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or Collins
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or brandy
– A few dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ginger ale, to top (about 4-6 oz / 120-180 ml)
– 1 long strip of lemon peel (for garnish)
– Ice
Optional Equipment
– Channel knife or vegetable peeler (to get that signature lemon twist)
– Bar spoon (for gentle stirring)
Method
- Start by prepping your glass. Use a channel knife or vegetable peeler to cut a long, continuous strip of lemon peel. Gently coil it and place it inside a highball or Collins glass, letting one end drape over the rim for that classic “horse’s neck” look.
- Fill the glass with ice. You want it nice and cold, so go ahead and fill it almost to the top.
- Pour in 2 oz (60 ml) of bourbon or brandy over the ice. Both work beautifully, but I tend to reach for bourbon when I want a richer, sweeter flavor.
- Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters. This gives the drink a subtle spice and depth that balances the sweetness of the ginger ale.
- Top with chilled ginger ale-enough to fill the glass but leave a little room to stir. About 4 to 6 oz (120-180 ml) usually does the trick.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix everything without losing the fizz. Serve right away while it’s cold and bubbly.
Tips & Tricks
– Use a good-quality ginger ale: One made with real ginger will give you a deeper, spicier flavor.
– Make your lemon twist pop: Twist the peel over the glass before dropping it in-this releases essential oils that add a fresh citrus aroma.
– Chill your glass: Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand. It helps keep everything colder, longer.
Make-Ahead Notes
– You can prep the lemon peels ahead of time and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
– The drink itself is best assembled just before serving to keep the ginger ale fizzy.
Substitutions
– No bourbon? Try rye whiskey for a spicier, drier take.
– Prefer something fruitier? Apple brandy works wonderfully.
– Watching sugar? Use a diet or naturally sweetened ginger ale.
What It Tastes Like
Expect a burst of ginger spice, mellowed out by the smooth warmth of bourbon or brandy. The lemon peel adds a bright citrusy note, while the bitters round everything out with just a touch of complexity. It’s fizzy, slightly sweet, and oh-so-sippable.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work cocktails because it’s simple, satisfying, and never goes out of style.
Serving Suggestions
The Horse’s Neck is a great pre-dinner drink, but it also pairs well with:
– Barbecue ribs: The smokiness and richness of the meat are balanced by the cocktail’s citrusy fizz.
– Spicy Thai food: The ginger ale cuts through the heat and cools things down.
– Charcuterie board: Its zesty brightness refreshes your palate between bites of cheese and cured meats.
Variations to Try
Kentucky Neck
– Use Kentucky bourbon for a bold, caramel-forward flavor.
Spicy Ginger Neck
– Swap in ginger beer for more heat.
– Add a thin slice of fresh ginger to the glass before pouring for an extra zing.
Apple Neck
– Use apple brandy instead of bourbon.
– Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a cozy, fall-inspired twist.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Skip the bourbon or brandy and use apple juice instead.
– Keep the lemon peel and bitters for that classic Horse’s Neck vibe.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Not the whole drink-ginger ale loses its fizz fast. But you can prep the lemon peel and chill your glass ahead of time.
Is it good for parties?
Definitely! It’s easy to batch. Just mix the alcohol and bitters ahead of time, then top with ginger ale as you serve.
What’s the best way to get that long lemon twist?
Use a channel knife if you have one, or a vegetable peeler. Try to get one continuous strip and twist it gently as you place it in the glass.
How can I make it a little healthier?
Use a low-sugar or naturally sweetened ginger ale. You can also reduce the alcohol to 1.5 oz (45 ml) without losing flavor.
What kind of bourbon or brandy should I use?
Nothing too fancy-just something you enjoy drinking. Mid-range options with smooth, slightly sweet profiles work great.
Storage
– Store leftover lemon peels in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Keep your ginger ale chilled and sealed to maintain its fizz.
This one’s a classic for a reason. Whether you’re new to cocktails or just want something easy and reliable, the Horse’s Neck is a great drink to have in your back pocket. Cheers!
