Horse's Neck cocktail

Horse's Neck

Highball Glass
IBA
ContemporaryClassic
Highball
Brandy
Refreshing

A distinguished classic highball characterized by its long, spiraling lemon peel garnish that snakes around the inside of the glass. This refreshing cooler balances the rich warmth of brandy with the effervescent spice of ginger ale, finished with aromatic bitters.

What it tastes like

The drink opens with a sharp citrus aroma from the large lemon zest. It tastes of oaky brandy and carbonated ginger spice. The mouthfeel is fizzy and light, finishing with a mild herbal bitterness from the bitters.

Flavour profile

Sweet
Strength
Bitter
Complexity

Ingredients

  • Brandy2 oz
  • Ginger Ale5 oz
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes
  • Lemon Peel (Long Spiral)1 whole

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the garnish by cutting a long, continuous strip of peel from a lemon.

  2. 2

    Place the lemon peel spiral into a Highball glass, hooking one end over the rim.

  3. 3

    Fill the glass with ice cubes.

  4. 4

    Pour the brandy into the glass.

  5. 5

    Top with ginger ale.

  6. 6

    Add the dashes of Angostura bitters.

  7. 7

    Stir gently to combine.

Substitutions

  • BrandyBourbon — Using bourbon adds notes of vanilla and corn sweetness to the drink.
  • Ginger AleGinger Beer — Ginger beer provides a much more aggressive spice and a drier finish than ginger ale.
  • Angostura BittersOrange Bitters — This swap emphasizes the citrus oils from the peel and reduces the spice-heavy finish.

Variations

Kentucky Neck

Replace the brandy with bourbon and add a small squeeze of lemon juice for extra acidity.

Dutch Neck

Substitute the brandy for Genever to introduce a malty, botanical profile that complements the ginger.

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Brandy Cocktails
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