Kentucky Buck

Bartender Castro invented the Kentucky Buck cocktail at San Francisco's Bourbon & Branch in 2008, and it has since grown to be a popular standard in the cocktail world. This refreshing drink combines the classic Buck formula of spirit, citrus, and ginger, but with a unique twist that features strawberries and bourbon.

While working on a spring cocktail menu, Castro found himself inspired by the fresh strawberries of the season and the limited whiskey offerings in classic cocktail books. He aimed to craft a fruity bourbon cocktail that paid homage to the Buck category—a blend of a spirit, citrus, and ginger ale or ginger beer. After experimenting for several months, the breakthrough moment came when he added Angostura bitters. “Angostura makes everything better,” he remarked, highlighting its ability to elevate any drink.

Six months after its initial creation, Castro was hired as the beverage director at Rickhouse, a whiskey-focused bar. He decided to introduce the Kentucky Buck there, even though it never made it onto the Bourbon & Branch menu. The drink quickly became a signature cocktail for Rickhouse, with Castro estimating they sold over 30,000 Kentucky Bucks in its first year of operation.

Castro believes several factors contributed to the cocktail’s popularity. The striking red color of the drink immediately captures attention, making it visually appealing to customers. Additionally, its straightforward ingredients list means patrons can confidently order it without needing to inquire about unfamiliar components. As Castro notes, “Not everyone needs to ask, 'What is Averna?'”

However, the Kentucky Buck’s most compelling attribute is its incredible flavor. Castro emphasizes that for a drink to be classified as a classic—especially a modern classic—it must allow for versatility. The Kentucky Buck excels in this aspect, as it can be made with a variety of bourbons, whether high-end or budget-friendly, and allows for flexibility in citrus choice and ginger preparation. Some versions even utilize ginger beer and a splash of strawberry liqueur.

To create your own Kentucky Buck cocktail, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 small strawberries, hulled
• 3/4 ounce rich ginger syrup (made with 3 parts sugar to 4 parts ginger juice)
• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Club soda, chilled, to top (about 2-3 ounces)
• Garnish: lemon wheel
• Garnish: strawberry slice

Follow these easy steps to make a Kentucky Buck:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the hulled strawberries with the ginger syrup to release their flavor.
2. Mix the Cocktail: Add the bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Angostura bitters to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top with Soda: Gently top off the drink with chilled club soda.
5. Garnish: Decorate your cocktail with a lemon wheel and a strawberry slice for an extra touch of elegance.

The Kentucky Buck may have originated as a seasonal cocktail, but its irresistible combination of flavors makes it perfect for any time of year. Whether enjoyed on a warm summer evening or at a cozy winter gathering, this cocktail is sure to impress.

The Kentucky Buck stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation in modern mixology. With its fruity notes, refreshing profile, and versatility, it has secured its place as a modern classic. Try making one at home and savor the delightful flavor journey it offers