This classic Horsefeather Cocktail is easy to make with just four ingredients — your choice of whiskey, ginger beer, bitters and a squeeze of lime. Think of it as a refreshing whiskey twist on a Moscow mule.
A few weeks ago when I posted a short clip about making horsefeather cocktails on Instagram, I received a steady stream of messages asking, “What is a horsefeather?” It’s one of those regional cocktails that feels ubiquitous in the Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas areas, but unfamiliar to many elsewhere. Despite its limited fame, it’s a simple, flavorful drink that deserves wider recognition — and it happens to be one of my favorites. As a small personal note, it was the first cocktail Barclay made for me when we first started dating, which makes it extra nostalgic.
The horsefeather is essentially a whiskey-based version of a Moscow mule. It’s built with whiskey (bourbon is commonly used and pairs wonderfully), spicy ginger beer for bright, warming fizz, a few dashes of bitters for depth, and a squeeze of citrus—either lime or lemon— to brighten the flavors. The final result is a crisp, balanced cocktail that’s both approachable and full of character. Since these four ingredients are often on hand, it’s an ideal choice for a last-minute happy hour, a casual dinner, or an easy signature drink for entertaining.
Before you begin, gather the ingredients and a glass:
- Whiskey — any style works, though bourbon or a local Kansas City whiskey are delicious choices.
- Ginger beer — choose one with a bold, spicy ginger flavor for the best contrast with the whiskey.
- Angostura bitters — a few dashes add aromatic complexity and balance.
- Fresh citrus — a wedge of lemon or lime to finish the drink.
To make the cocktail, fill a highball glass (or a mason jar, if you prefer a casual presentation) with plenty of ice. Pour in the whiskey, add the ginger beer, and then add several dashes of Angostura bitters. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon and briefly stir to combine. Taste and adjust the ginger beer or citrus to your preference; some like a little more ginger beer for a bubblier, lighter drink, while others prefer a stronger whiskey presence.
Serve immediately, garnished with the citrus wedge. The drink is perfect for sipping on a warm evening or pairing with hearty appetizers. Its combination of spice, citrus, and the warm notes of whiskey is surprisingly versatile: it complements grilled foods, salty snacks, and even sweeter desserts if you prefer a contrast.
Cheers, and enjoy this easy, classic cocktail!
Horsefeather Cocktail
Prep Time: 2 minutes | Total Time: 2 minutes | Makes: 1 serving
Rating: 4.89 from 9 votes
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon or lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass or mason jar with ice.
- Add 2 ounces whiskey, 4 ounces ginger beer, and 4 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Squeeze in a wedge of lemon or lime, then stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with an extra citrus wedge if desired.
Additional Info
Course: Drinks | Cuisine: American
Did you make this? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!