Whiskey Buck Recipe

Master this homemade Whiskey Buck recipe - the perfect balance of bold whiskey, zesty lime, and spicy ginger beer. This easy cocktail recipe delivers a refreshing, effervescent drink with complex flavors that anyone can craft at home. The best thirst-quenching whiskey cocktail for warm evenings!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An elegant highball glass showcases the Whiskey Buck with large, crystal-clear ice cubes catching the amber glow of whiskey as it mingles with the golden hue of ginger beer. Condensation beads dramatically on the glass under warm, directional lighting that highlights the drink's effervescence. A plump wedge of lime perches on the rim, while a thin slice of fresh ginger is partially submerged in the cocktail. The drink sits on a rustic wooden bar top with a small copper jigger visible in the soft-focus background, suggesting craft and precision. Bubbles rise continuously through the drink, creating dynamic movement against the deep caramel tones of the whiskey.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml bourbon or rye whiskey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ginger beer (not ginger ale)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wedge for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh ginger slice for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Fill your highball glass with ice, preferably large cubes that will melt slowly and maintain the drink's integrity. Fill all the way to the top for optimal temperature control.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour 60ml of bourbon or rye whiskey directly over the ice. Choose a quality whiskey with character as it forms the backbone of this cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add 15ml of fresh lime juice - always use freshly squeezed for bright, vibrant acidity that bottled juice can't match.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters if using. This optional ingredient adds complexity and depth to the drink with aromatic spice notes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Top with 120ml of cold ginger beer, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. The spicier the ginger beer, the more character your Buck will have.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently stir from the bottom up with a bar spoon, just 2-3 rotations to integrate the ingredients without diminishing the effervescence.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with a lime wedge pressed slightly into the drink to release some oils, and if desired, a thin slice of fresh ginger for enhanced aromatics and visual appeal.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Whiskey Buck Recipe?

The Whiskey Buck requires bourbon or rye whiskey, fresh lime juice, spicy ginger beer (not ginger ale), optional Angostura bitters, a lime wedge for garnish, and optional fresh ginger slice. This creates a balanced, zesty cocktail with a perfect kick of whiskey and ginger.

How to make Whiskey Buck Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Whiskey Buck Recipe by filling a highball glass with ice, adding 60ml of whiskey and 15ml fresh lime juice, followed by optional bitters, then topping with 120ml spicy ginger beer. Stir gently to preserve effervescence, garnish with a lime wedge and optional ginger slice for an easy yet impressive homemade cocktail.

What's the difference between a Whiskey Buck and a Moscow Mule?

While both cocktails feature ginger beer and lime, a Whiskey Buck uses bourbon or rye whiskey as its base spirit instead of the vodka found in a Moscow Mule. This substitution gives the Buck a richer, more complex flavour profile with warm caramel and oak notes.

Which type of whiskey works best in a Buck cocktail?

Both bourbon and rye whiskey work excellently in a Buck. Bourbon offers sweeter caramel and vanilla notes that complement the ginger, while rye provides a spicier, drier profile that enhances the drink's kick. Choose higher-proof options (43-50% ABV) for a more robust flavour.

Can I substitute ginger ale for ginger beer in this spicy cocktail?

Ginger beer is strongly recommended over ginger ale for an authentic Buck. Ginger beer provides substantially more spice, less sweetness, and a more pronounced ginger flavour that's essential to balance the whiskey. For best results, choose a craft ginger beer with visible sediment.

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The fresh lime really makes all the difference compared to other recipes I've tried.", "name": "Perfect Balance", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Alejandro Morales", "datePublished": "2024-05-12", "reviewBody": "Made this for our summer barbecue and it was an instant hit! Everyone asked for the recipe. The spicy ginger beer complemented the smoky bourbon beautifully. Definitely a crowd-pleaser!", "name": "BBQ Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Yasmin Chowdhury", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "I usually make Moscow Mules, but this Whiskey Buck has completely won me over! The depth of flavor from the whiskey paired with the ginger spice is much more interesting. Will be making this regularly.", "name": "Better Than Moscow Mule", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "François Dupont", "datePublished": "2024-05-17", "reviewBody": "Dangerously easy to drink! The refreshing qualities of the ginger beer and lime perfectly balance the whiskey kick. I've made this three times in the past week - it's that good!", "name": "Perfectly Balanced", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei-Ling Wong", "datePublished": "2024-05-19", "reviewBody": "This recipe converted my non-whiskey drinking friends instantly! The ginger spice complements the bourbon beautifully. I used a spicier ginger beer as suggested, and it was absolutely divine.", "name": "Whiskey Converter", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ], "url": "https://www.whatsbaking.co/cocktails/whiskey-buck-recipe" }
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