Looking for something that’s a tad spicy, cold and provides a little heat on the finish? Look no further than the Horsefeather cocktail.
“Anything further, Father?”
“Anything further, Father… That can’t be right.”
Last month, my good friend and I took a walk over to the legendary Vista Theater here in Los Angeles and took in a Saturday matinee. The movie was the classic Marx Brothers comedy from 1932, Horse Feathers. If you’ve never seen this film, or any of the zany capers featuring Groucho, Harpo, Chico (and sometimes Zeppo), then I highly and heartily—and I do mean heartily—recommend you do so RIGHT NOW. At this very moment. In fact, what better way is there to first experience the side-splitting hilarity of Duck Soup, Monkey Business or Horse Feathers than with a tall, bubbly glass of tonight’s cocktail, the Horsefeather?
Now, despite the name of this drink being similar to the movie, the Horsefeather has nothing in common with the comedy. If it did, it might have been called a Swordfish. If you haven’t seen the film, you won’t get that reference. Actually, there are already a few different cocktails named the Swordfish, so to avoid any confusion, we’ll hop back on our Horsefeather.
Historically speaking, the Horsefeather is a relatively “newer” concoction, having emerged in the 1990s. The exact origin is a little hazy, with some folks claiming that it first popped up in Kansas City, Missouri, while others say it was Lawrence, Kansas, with both cities being fairly close to each other. A riff on the Horse’s Neck and Moscow Mule, the Horsefeather is both spicy and refreshing, no matter where it came from.
What Is The Best Whiskey To Use In A Horsefeather Cocktail?
The best whiskey to put in a Horsefeather all boils down to what you like, or what you’re in the mood for. For a smooth and buttery dram, an Irish whiskey is what you want. A rye dram will have a fiery spice, and something like Jack Daniels will bring that classic mash sweetness that goes well with just about any mixer. If you want a more robust and aged experience, try some bourbon instead.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 lemon wedge
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the whiskey, the ginger beer and 4 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Squeeze in the juice from a lemon wedge and give the mixture a gentle stir.
- Garnish with the squeezed lemon wedge and serve immediately.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a highball glass with ice and gently stir your cocktail in with a long and slender bar spoon or swizzle stick. Squeeze a lemon wedge over your drink and pop it on top for garnish.
Similar Drinks To The Horsefeather Cocktail
After a Horsefeather or two, or three, you’ve acquired quite the taste for the bubbly and spicy refreshment of a crisp and cold ginger beer. And once you discover that it’s a popular cocktail mixer, your curiosity is even stronger. Now you’re on the hunt for more concoctions that feature the fizzy and full-bodied beverage. Try out some of these to start your journey.
- Ginger Shandy – Ginger beer and an ice-cold lager will do nicely on a summer’s day.
- Jamaican Breeze – Rum, pineapple juice, and ginger beer combine to make this relaxing, tropical sipper.
- Suffering Bastard – This recipe was born out of a World War II victory, and features bourbon, gin and ginger beer.
- El Diablo – This tequila-based elixir also features the spicy, bubbly charms of ginger beer.
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