Horsefeather

The Horsefeather is a brilliantly simple yet flavorful cocktail that perfectly balances the spicy notes of rye whiskey with the sharp, sweet fizz of ginger beer. A few dashes of Angostura bitters add aromatic complexity and depth, while a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire drink. It's an unpretentious, easy-drinking highball celebrated for its refreshing and invigorating character, making it a favorite in its Midwestern homeland and beyond.
Horsefeather

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Horsefeather is classified as a cocktail, specifically belonging to the highball category. Highballs are tall, refreshing drinks typically composed of a base spirit topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass over ice.

Serving

The Horsefeather is served cold with plenty of ice in a tall highball glass. It's a straightforward, refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml / 7-8.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While its exact origin is debated, the Horsefeather is widely believed to have been created in Lawrence, Kansas, in the 1990s. It is considered a modern riff on the classic Horse's Neck cocktail, which traditionally uses brandy or bourbon with ginger ale. The switch to spicier rye whiskey and ginger beer, along with the addition of bitters, gave the drink its own distinct identity and name.
Origin
Lawrence, Kansas, USA, circa 1990s.

Horsefeather

The drink is most commonly known as the Horsefeather. It is sometimes called the "Kansas City Horsefeather" to denote its strong association with the region. While it could be generically referred to as a "Rye and Ginger," the Horsefeather specifically implies the addition of bitters and citrus, distinguishing it from a simple mix.
Original name
Horsefeather
Alternative names
  • Kansas City Horsefeather
  • Rye and Ginger

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a crisp, bubbly texture with a spicy flavor profile from both the rye and ginger beer. The aroma is a pleasant mix of citrus and warm spices, leading to a balanced taste and a clean, warming finish.
Flavor
Spicy, gingery, zesty, slightly sweet, effervescent, crisp
Aroma
Ginger, rye spice, citrus, aromatic cloves, cinnamon
Taste balance
Balanced, spicy, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, warming, lingering ginger spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, carbonated
Color appearance
Amber, golden-brown, clear
Texture
Light, crisp, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round, particularly summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, defined by a prominent ginger and rye spice, balanced by sweetness from the ginger beer and a subtle bitterness. It's effervescent and refreshing rather than overwhelmingly strong.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires only three core liquid ingredients: a spicy rye whiskey, a good quality ginger beer, and Angostura bitters. A fresh lemon wedge for garnish completes the cocktail.
  • Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 ounces
    A whiskey with a high rye content (95-100%) will enhance the spicy character of the drink.
  • Ginger Beer120 ml / 4 ounces, or to top
    Use a good quality, spicy ginger beer for the best flavor.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters3 dashes
    Essential for adding aromatic complexity and balancing the sweetness.
  • Lemon Wedge1
    Used for garnish and a light squeeze of juice.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed; this cocktail is built directly in the serving glass. A jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon are recommended.
  • Highball glass (for building and serving)
  • Jigger (for measuring spirits)
  • Bar spoon (for gentle stirring)

Instructions

This is a simple built-in-glass cocktail. Just fill a highball glass with ice, add the whiskey and bitters, top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of rye whiskey over the ice.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters.
4. Top the glass with approximately 4 ounces (120 ml) of ginger beer.
5. Gently stir with a bar spoon just once or twice to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge, squeezing it lightly over the drink before placing it in the glass or on the rim.

Garnishing

A simple lemon wedge or wheel is the traditional garnish. It adds a bright citrus aroma and allows for an extra squeeze of juice to taste.
  • Lemon wedge or wheel, placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free. However, it is not gluten-free due to the rye whiskey base, which may affect individuals with celiac disease.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink's caloric and sugar content is moderate, coming almost entirely from the ginger beer. The whiskey itself contributes the alcohol calories but is free of sugar and carbs.
Calories
averagely 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a versatile drink suitable for casual occasions. It's perfect for a laid-back happy hour, a summer barbecue, or simply as a refreshing after-work sipper.
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer BBQ
  • Casual Gatherings
  • After-work drink

Pairing suggestions

The Horsefeather's spicy and refreshing profile cuts through rich and fatty foods beautifully. It is an excellent companion to barbecue, especially sweet and smoky Kansas City style, as well as burgers, fried chicken, and other savory bar fare.
  • Kansas City-style barbecue
  • Spicy fried chicken
  • Burgers and fries
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or peanuts

The Horsefeather: A Spicy and Refreshing Midwestern Classic

The Horsefeather is a simple yet deeply satisfying highball cocktail hailing from the American Midwest. Its winning formula combines the peppery spice of rye whiskey, the sharp zest of ginger beer, and the aromatic complexity of bitters, all brightened by a hint of lemon. Easy to make and even easier to drink, it's a testament to the idea that the best cocktails don't need to be complicated. The Horsefeather is a reliable and refreshing choice for any casual drinking occasion.

Similar Cocktails

Horse's Neck

The traditional precursor, typically made with brandy or bourbon and milder ginger ale, often without bitters.

Kentucky Mule

Uses bourbon instead of rye and adds a significant amount of fresh lime juice.

Moscow Mule

The famous version made with vodka and lime juice, typically served in a copper mug.

Dark 'n' Stormy

A classic highball made with dark rum and ginger beer, with a lime wedge garnish.

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