Horse's Neck (with a kick)

Pro tips

• Use quality ginger ale, not ginger beer—ginger ale is milder and lets the whiskey shine; ginger beer overpowers the drink.
• Chill your glass with ice before mixing to keep the cocktail cold longer and prevent dilution.
• The lemon peel should be thick and long enough to express oils over the drink surface for aroma and visual appeal.
• Stir gently after adding ginger ale to combine without losing carbonation; avoid shaking.

Substitutions

• Old Thompson Blended Whiskey → any blended whiskey, bourbon, or Canadian whisky (flavor varies by choice)
• Ginger ale → club soda with a dash of simple syrup and fresh lemon juice (more control, less sweetness)

What's the difference between a Horse's Neck and a Horse's Neck with a kick?

The classic version uses brandy or no spirits; the 'kick' version adds whiskey (typically 2 oz) for extra strength and depth.

Do I need to use Old Thompson specifically?

No. Any blended whiskey works—bourbon, rye, or Canadian whisky are good alternatives. Choose based on your flavor preference.

How do I make a proper lemon peel spiral?

Use a vegetable peeler or channel knife to cut a long, thin strip of lemon zest (avoid white pith). Coil it into the glass or drape it over the rim.

Can I make this ahead?

No. Mix fresh to order just before serving so the ginger ale stays carbonated and the drink stays cold.

What ratio of whiskey to ginger ale should I use?

Standard is 2 oz whiskey to 4–5 oz ginger ale, adjusted to taste. Start with equal parts and dilute with more ginger ale if needed.