Kentucky Buck

The Kentucky Buck is a modern classic—a bright, spicy, and incredibly refreshing cocktail that puts a fantastic twist on the whiskey sour. It’s known for its signature use of fresh ginger and strawberry.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Kentucky Buck.

The Story

The Kentucky Buck was created by renowned bartender Erick Castro in 2010 at the popular San Diego bar, Polite Provisions. It quickly gained fame for its simple yet bold flavors and is now a staple on cocktail menus worldwide. It falls into the “Buck” family of drinks, which are essentially Mules (ginger beer + spirit + citrus) but often with the addition of fresh fruit.

Kentucky Buck Recipe

This recipe is true to Erick Castro’s original creation.

Glass:

• Highball or Collins Glass

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon (a good, solid bourbon like Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, or Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond works perfectly)

• ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• ½ oz Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)

• 2-3 ripe Strawberries (1 for muddling, 1 for garnish)

• 3-4 thin slices of Fresh Ginger (about a 1-inch knob, peeled)

• 2 oz Ginger Beer (a good quality, spicy brand like Fever-Tree or Q Ginger Beer)

• Angostura Bitters (1-2 dashes, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle: In a shaker, muddle one strawberry (hulled), the fresh ginger slices, and the simple syrup. You want to thoroughly crush the strawberry and ginger to release their juices.

2. Add & Shake: Add the bourbon and fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.

3. Double Strain: Double-strain the mixture into your highball glass filled with fresh ice. This is key! Use your Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to catch all the small bits of ginger and strawberry pulp, ensuring a smooth drink.

4. Top & Garnish: Top with the ginger beer. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

5. Final Touch: Garnish with a fresh strawberry (slice it or give it a small cut to perch on the rim) and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters directly on top of the drink. The bitters add a wonderful aromatic complexity.

Why It Works (The Flavor Profile)

The magic of the Kentucky Buck is in its balance:

• Bourbon: Provides a solid, sweet, and oaky backbone.

• Lemon Juice: Adds the necessary sharp, acidic brightness.

• Ginger & Strawberry: This is the star combination. The spicy, peppery heat from the ginger plays perfectly against the sweet, floral notes of the strawberry.

• Ginger Beer: Adds effervescence and an extra layer of spicy-sweet flavor.

• Angostura Bitters: The final dash brings notes of baking spice and cinnamon, tying all the elements together.

Variations & Tips

• Ginger Intensity: Can’t get enough ginger? Use a spicier ginger beer or muddle more ginger. For a milder kick, use less.

• Sweetness Control: Adjust the simple syrup based on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference. You can start with ¼ oz and add more if needed.

• Whiskey Swap: While bourbon is classic, you can try this with a spicy rye whiskey for a different, more robust character.

• No Fresh Ginger? While not ideal, you can use ¼ oz of a high-quality ginger syrup (like The Ginger People) instead of muddling. The fresh, fiery bite will be less pronounced, but it will still be delicious.

Difference Between a Kentucky Buck and a Moscow Mule?

This is a common question! The main differences are:

1. Spirit: A Moscow Mule uses vodka. A Kentucky Buck uses bourbon.

2. Additions: A Kentucky Buck has fresh muddled strawberry, lemon juice (instead of just lime), and simple syrup, making it a more complex, fruit-forward cocktail. A classic Mule is simpler: just spirit, lime, and ginger beer.

Enjoy your Kentucky Buck! It’s the perfect cocktail for a warm day or anytime you want something simultaneously strong and refreshing.