For the curious home bartenders out there, I've set aside a dedicated list of all the ingredients you'll need. Now let's dive into the history.
The Horse's Neck is a cocktail of Victorian origins, initially born in the 1890s as a non-alcoholic drink: only ginger ale and a long spiral of lemon peel hanging from the glass like a "horse's neck." It was the first "mocktail" to become fashionable among the Edwardian ladies of England and America.
The version "with a kick," enriched with brandy (or in some variants bourbon), became popular in the 1910s and is mentioned as a favorite of Ulysses S. Grant and of the mid-century Hollywood actors. The Horse's Neck was the favorite drink of Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Second World War, and there is even a British Royal Navy warship with the same name. A cocktail that has survived three centuries: a small miracle of bartending longevity.
To make this recipe shine, pair a great story with great tools. A barman kit like the one I use from Amazon is the perfect starting point: compact, complete, and ready. For those ready to take the next step, a professional cocktail bar station is a real game-changer — think of it as your personal speakeasy.