Quench your thirst with this classic Horse's Neck recipe! Crafted with brandy, ginger ale, and a twist of lemon, this effervescent cocktail is a sublime choice for any gathering.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
208
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- Ginger ale - to top up
- Long lemon twist - for garnish and added flavor
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Brandy: Pour 2 oz Brandy over the ice.
- Top with Ginger Ale: Fill the rest of the glass with ginger ale,
- Quick Stir: Give a couple of stirs to your mixture allowing the fizz to mingle with the brandy.
- Garnish: Add a long lemon twist to your highball glass.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: I've used bourbon instead of brandy, which gives the drink a sweeter and oakier profile. If you're feeling adventurous, try using a dark rum. It lends a rich, caramel depth to the Horse’s Neck.
- Ginger Ale: If ginger ale isn't your thing or you've run out, ginger beer offers a spicier kick. I've also used tonic water for a more bitter twist, but you might want to add a splash of simple syrup or a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up.
Making a Pitcher of Horse’s Neck:
- Scale: For a pitcher that serves 8, you'll want 16 oz of brandy. Adjust the ginger ale to top up each glass.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the brandy and ginger ale. Don't stir too much to maintain the fizz.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a long lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Brandy Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brandy substitute. Several brands are available that capture the essence of brandy without the alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular brandy and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic Horse’s Neck.
Making it Vegan:
The standard Horse’s Neck recipe is inherently vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. However, always check the brand of ginger ale or any other substitutes you might be using to ensure there are no hidden animal derivatives. Some alcoholic beverages use animal products in the filtering process, so it's always a good idea to check if your chosen brand is vegan-friendly.What is a Horse’s Neck?
Horse’s Neck is a cocktail that blends the warmth of brandy with the zest of ginger ale and a twist of lemon, and it’s recognized as an official International Bartenders Association (IBA) cocktail. Historically, its unique name likely comes from the long spiral lemon garnish that drapes over the edge of the glass, resembling the curve of a horse’s neck. Despite its intriguing name and presentation, you don’t need to be a bartender to appreciate its balanced flavors. This classic Horse’s Neck recipe proves that sometimes simplicity speaks volumes in cocktails.
What is a Horse’s Neck made of – The ingredients
The ingredients list for a classic Horse’s Neck includes:
- Brandy: A distilled wine that provides the warm, smooth base of the cocktail.
- Ginger Ale: A carbonated soft drink that adds effervescence and a spicy-sweet flavor.
- Lemon Twist: A long spiral garnish that imparts a zesty citrus note and enhances the visual appeal.
