Paul Kushner
The Gin Buck is a hip cocktail that everyone is talking about. Anyone who likes a drink with just the right amount of tang and freshness will appreciate this beverage. It can elevate any ordinary occasion with its delectable simplicity. I can’t wait to tell you why the Gin Buck is one of my favorite cocktails and how you can start drinking it regularly.
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Tasting Notes
The Gin Buck has just the right amount of heat, sweetness, and acidity. Zesty lemon and flowery, somewhat earthy gin make a lovely combination. With the ginger ale’s delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, every sip becomes an adventure. It’s a light and airy cocktail that waltzes across your tongue and disappears just as quickly.
Equipment and Glassware
Gin Buck, additionally known as Gin and Ginger, require the following bar equipment and glassware:
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Bar Spoon
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Ice Maker or Ice Tray
- Citrus Juicer (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces of gin
- 1/2 ounce of lemon or lime juice freshly squeezed
- Ginger ale or ginger beer to top
- Garnish: lemon or lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
- Add 1 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to the glass.
- Top the glass with ginger ale or ginger beer.
- Stir briefly to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
Pro Tips
- Before you pour in the ingredients, garnish your glass with a little piece of fresh ginger for an added kick.
- For the most flavorful results, use fresh, high-quality lemon juice. The impact is significant!
- Mild or strong, the ginger ale is up to you. Add more sugar if you like it sweeter; less gin if you prefer a stronger flavor.
When to Serve
The Gin Buck’s versatility is second to none. Warm summer evenings, backyard barbecues, or a night in with a good book—it’s all good. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to relax with a glass on your own, its delightful flavor will be the perfect complement.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
The key element of an excellent Gin Buck is a high-quality gin. Bombay Sapphire is great for its floral overtones, Tanqueray is great for its juniper profile, and Hendrick’s is great for its distinctive cucumber and rose suggestion, but whichever one you choose, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you use a gin that you really enjoy, the Gin Buck you make will be fantastic.
Similar Cocktails
- Gin Fizz – A frothy, citrusy classic.
- Moscow Mule – Swap gin for vodka for a gingery kick.
- Tom Collins – Similar to a Gin Buck but with soda water.
- Whiskey Ginger – For a whiskey twist on the ginger theme.
- Gin and Tonic – Another gin-based classic that’s easy to love.
History
The Gin Buck is one of several “Buck” cocktails that use a straightforward combination of ginger ale or beer, citrus juice, and spirit. The early 20th century saw its meteoric rise to fame, when it quickly became a summer staple. Its timeless popularity is due in large part to its refreshing flavor and relative ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces of gin
- 1/2 ounce of lemon or lime juice freshly squeezed
- Ginger ale or ginger beer to top
- Garnish: lemon or lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
- Add 1 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to the glass.
- Top the glass with ginger ale or ginger beer.
- Stir briefly to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
