What ingredients are in a Horse's Neck?

1 long strip Lemon peel, 2 oz Brandy, 5 oz Ginger ale, 2 dashes Bitters

What glass do you use for a Horse's Neck?

A Horse's Neck is traditionally served in a Verre Highball.

How strong is a Horse's Neck?

A Horse's Neck has an estimated ABV of 8,35%.

How many calories are in a Horse's Neck?

A Horse's Neck contains approximately 217 calories per serving.

What is a Horse's Neck cocktail?

The Horse's Neck is an IBA Contemporary Classic built with brandy and ginger ale, distinguished by its signature garnish of a long continuous spiral of lemon peel draped over the rim of a highball glass with one end hanging over the edge, resembling a horse's neck.

What is the history of the Horse's Neck?

The Horse's Neck dates to the late 19th century as a non-alcoholic ginger ale and lemon drink. Brandy was added in the early 20th century, and by the mid-1900s the boozy version became the standard. Its IBA recognition cements its classic status.

Can you substitute the brandy in a Horse's Neck?

Yes — bourbon or rye whiskey are common substitutions, producing a slightly spicier, drier variant sometimes called a Horse's Neck with a Kick. The ginger ale and lemon peel garnish remain constant regardless of the base spirit choice.

The drink takes its name from a single long spiral of lemon peel draped over the rim of the glass, the 'neck' that arches above the surface. The Horse's Neck is an IBA Contemporary Classic built on brandy and ginger ale, poured over ice in a highball glass and stirred gently, with dashes of bitters lending aromatic complexity to an otherwise gentle, effervescent combination. The brandy supplies a base of mellow warmth, the ginger ale length and fizz, and the lemon garnish both visual drama and a wash of citrus oil. At roughly 8 percent alcohol by volume, it is a light, approachable long drink.

Horse's Neck

Verre Verre Highball

Difficulté Medium

Calories ~217 kcal

ABV 8,35%

Ingrédients

Lemon peel 1 long strip
Brandy 2 oz
Ginger ale 5 oz
Bitters 2 dashes

Instructions

Pour brandy and ginger ale directly into highball glass with ice cubes. Stir gently. Garnish with lemon zest. If desired, add dashes of Angostura Bitter.

IBA ContemporaryClassic

Le Horse's Neck est un « Contemporary Classic » de l'IBA construit sur du brandy et du ginger ale, servi dans un verre highball avec une longue spirale de zeste de citron drapée sur le bord — le « cou » qui donne son nom à la boisson. Quelques traits de bitter ajoutent une complexité aromatique à ce mélange par ailleurs doux et effervescent. C'est un long drink léger et accessible.

History & Origins

The Horse's Neck dates to the late 19th century United States, where it began as a non-alcoholic lemonade-and-ginger-ale drink before brandy was added around Prohibition-era adaptations. It gained widespread popularity in the UK Royal Navy, where brandy and ginger ale was a standard mess drink. The IBA recognized it as a Contemporary Classic, cementing its place in modern cocktail culture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Zesty lemon peel and spicy ginger lead, with a warm brandy undercurrent and a faint bitters spice. Palate: Light and refreshing, the ginger ale's effervescence carries the brandy's fruit-and-oak warmth, with a gentle citrus edge from the peel. Finish: Clean and dry, with a fading ginger heat and soft bitters note.

ginger citrus effervescent warming light

Pro Tip

Cut a continuous spiral lemon peel and drape it from the rim into the glass before adding ice and ingredients for the classic visual presentation.

Techniques utilisées

Monter Directement au Verre

Data verified septembre 2017

Informations nutritionnelles →

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