Horse's Neck Cocktail Recipe

The Horse's Neck cocktail has a long history, dating back to the late 19th century. It was originally a non-alcoholic beverage, made with just ginger ale and lemon peel. Eventually, it evolved into an alcoholic drink with the addition of bourbon or brandy. The name 'Horse's Neck' comes from the long spiral of lemon peel that resembles a horse's neck.

• Popular among British Royal Navy officers
• Featured in various movies and novels
• Gained popularity in the United States during Prohibition

The Horse's Neck cocktail is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and tangy drink with a hint of spiciness from the ginger ale. The bourbon or brandy adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying cocktail.

• The Horse's Neck was originally served as a non-alcoholic drink
• It was a popular drink among British Royal Navy officers
• The cocktail has been featured in various movies and novels

1. Fill a highball glass with ice
2. Pour 2 oz of bourbon or brandy over the ice
3. Top with 4 oz of ginger ale
4. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
5. Garnish with a long spiral of lemon peel, draped over the edge of the glass

• Use a vegetable peeler to get a long, thin strip of lemon peel
• For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon or brandy
• Experiment with different brands of ginger ale to find your preferred taste

Food Pairings

• Barbecue Dishes: The smoky flavors of grilled meat can be a match made in heaven with the bourbon in a Horse's Neck.
• Spicy Asian Cuisine: Ginger Ale has a spicy kick which complements Asian dishes like Szechuan chicken or Thai curry.
• Cheese Platters: A selection of cheeses, especially aged varieties, pairs well with the richness of brandy if you use that option.
• Nuts: Salted or spiced nuts can balance the sweet and spicy notes of the cocktail.

Drink Pairings

• Cold Brew Coffee: The bitterness of the coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the Horse's Neck.
• Iced Tea: If you're looking for a non-alcoholic pairing, a nice cool glass of iced tea complements the cocktail's ginger and citrus notes.

• Bourbon or Brandy: Can be substituted with whiskey or rum
• Ginger Ale: Can be replaced with ginger beer for a spicier kick
• Angostura Bitters: Other types of bitters can be used for a different flavor profile

Spicy Horse’s Neck

• Ingredients: Bourbon, Ginger Beer, Angostura Bitters, Chili Pepper
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but use ginger beer instead of ginger ale and add a thin slice of chili pepper for a warmer kick.
• How it differs: This twist turns up the heat, providing a more intense ginger flavor and a touch of capsaicin thrill.

Horse’s Neck with a Citrus Twist

• Ingredients: Brandy, Ginger Ale, Aromatic Bitters, Orange Peel
• Recipe: Replace bourbon with brandy, Angostura with aromatic bitters, and lemon with orange peel.
• How it differs: This variation brings a different citrus note that complements the brandy and aromatic bitters add a complexity that contrasts with the crisp ginger ale.

Apple Horse’s Neck

• Ingredients: Apple Brandy, Ginger Ale, Angostura Bitters, Apple Spiral
• Recipe: Use apple brandy in place of regular brandy or bourbon, garnish with a spiral of apple peel.
• How it differs: It adds a fruity and autumnal twist to the classic cocktail, perfect for cozy evenings. The apple brandy and peel introduce a sweet, tart element that pairs beautifully with the ginger.