Gin Buck

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Spiced, crisp and refreshing, the Gin Buck packs quite the kick at the end of a difficult day.

It was a few years into the new and modern 1900s in this no-horse town. Used to be a one-horse town, but the broken down old mare by the name of Gluestick ran off a cliff and into the nearby gorge a while back, and up to that big oat bag in the sky. Nothing to do except breathe, saunter around and drink. Thankfully, this dusty little hamlet had a saloon. In fact, that’s all it had. Everybody in town lived there, too. Literally. The sheriff tended bar and had the keys to the drunk tank. The Wild West was becoming a thing of the past, but outlaws still ran about. This place never saw any trouble, though. Nobody ever came through to cause any, and as a result, each day was laid back and fairly peaceful.

Today was a little different. Around high noon, the regular gentry was outside, loitering and just killing time. The horizon that was way off and usually still as a painting, was suddenly kicking up some dust. Somethin’ was a’ happening, and everybody got up to look.

After a time, the dust revealed a shady group of some no-good cowboys barreling toward this little community. How’d they know they might be up to some mischief? Well, when their horses skidded to a stop, they matched the “Wanted” posters that were hanging up all over the state. Everybody shared startled, but sturdy glances with each other. The leader of the group spoke up.

“Imma lookin’ fer some strong libations after this rocky road done made my throat bone dry and crusty. What’s this backwoods place got for a buncha bad fellers like us?”

His voice sounded like the hoofs of a horse being dragged across the road, and boomed with menace. The townsfolk trembled, until the sheriff came forward, with a newspaper in his hand and twinkle in his eye. “Well boys, says right here in yesterday’s paper from Kansas City, The Barre Times, dated August 6th, 1903, that they have a new beverage there by the name of the Gin Buck-“

He didn’t finish. The cowboys started hooting and hollering, rearing back on their steeds in jubilation. They took off through the town and disappeared off into the hills, presumably to find some Gin Bucks in Kansas City. The sheriff chuckled.

“It’s gin, lemon juice and ginger ale… Sounds pretty good, and I can make those for everybody. So let’s go toast those dudes as they try to figure out which Kansas City they’re going to.”

And so the day went on, and Gin Bucks were enjoyed by all. Even the school marm. Some months later, folks heard whispers that a group of grubby bandits got cut down trying to rob a train out of Kansas City, Missouri, up around the Woodcock line. But that was just a rumor.

What Is The Best Gin To Use In A Gin Buck?

You can use a London Dry in this recipe, but I found that both a cucumber-infused Hendrick’s or their stone fruit Grand Cabaret worked beautifully with the ginger ale, adding extra freshness and flavor to each sip. Old Tom is a great choice too, as it is sweeter than a Dry gin, and will complement the spicy soda with its flavor.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

Fill a highball glass with ice, and once your drink is ready to sip, garnish with a lemon wedge.

WHY IS THIS DRINK CALLED A “BUCK”?

The most common story revolves around adding liquor to the non-alcoholic ginger ale drink called the Horse’s Neck. Now that it had a kick, cowpokes took to calling it a Buck.

Similar Drinks To The Gin Buck

Refreshing, tiny bubbles are the best remedy for a parched throat on a hot day. And when it’s time to exclaim “yabba-dabba-doo” and head home for a dram, mixing a spirit with a fizzy and effervescent soda is good medicine. Check out some of these tasty recipes below, then explore the site for anything else you might be looking for.

• Tequila and Ginger Ale – The earthy and peppery spirit is met with the bold, bubbly flavor of ginger ale.
• Vodka and Ginger Ale – Ginger ale proves once again what a perfect mixer it is.
• Whiskey Ginger – Nothing beats the combination of whiskey and ginger ale.
• Tom Collins – Try this fizzy lemon and gin-based cocktail this evening.