Horses Neck (With a Kick)

Pro tips

• Use fresh, cold ginger ale and chill your glass before building the drink to maximize freshness.
• Create a long, continuous lemon peel spiral by using a vegetable peeler or channel knife; it adds visual elegance and releases oils into the drink.
• Pour the whiskey first, then top with ginger ale and stir gently to combine without over-mixing.

Substitutions

• Old Thompson Blended Whiskey → bourbon or rye whiskey (shifts flavor profile slightly but maintains the drink's balance)
• Ginger ale → ginger beer (adds spice and intensity; sweeter ginger ale is lighter)

What type of whiskey works best for a Horses Neck?

Blended whiskey like Old Thompson is traditional, but bourbon or rye also work well. Choose one with enough body to stand up to the ginger ale.

Can I make a Horses Neck without ginger ale?

Not really—ginger ale is essential to the drink's character. Club soda or ginger beer would create a different cocktail entirely.

Is the lemon peel spiral necessary?

The long citrus peel is traditional and adds visual appeal and aroma. It's not strictly necessary, but it's a hallmark of the drink.

How much ice should I use?

Fill the glass with ice to chill quickly and keep the drink cold throughout. More ice prevents dilution as it melts slowly.