Kentucky Buck

Here’s a little cocktail 101: a “buck” is a type of cocktail that combines ginger beer and citrus with the spirit of your choice. So for example, a Moscow mule (vodka, lime, and ginger beer) is technically also a vodka buck. Today’s cocktail is from one of my all-time favorite bartenders, Erick Castro. For a twist on a bourbon buck, Erick adds a strawberry and couple dashes of Angostura bitters. File this away under the category of simple, but devilishly delicious. Just because the Kentucky Derby has come and gone, doesn’t mean I have to put away that bottle of bourbon. In fact, with the weather heating up, I think I’ll keep it out right on the kitchen counter!

Kentucky Buck

A refreshing blend of bourbon, ginger beer, lemon, and strawberry.

Servings: 1 cocktail

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1 strawberry
• 2 dashes Angostura bitter
• ginger beer
• lemon wheel for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a mixing glass, muddle the strawberry and simple syrup, then top with bourbon, lemon juice and bitters. Fill with ice and shake. Double strain into a collins glass over new ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lemon wheel.

(images by HonestlyYUM)