Kentucky Buck Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
August 24, 2025

Image source: Casual Foodist

Prep Time

5 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Highball Glass and Collins Glass

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon (60 ml)
¾ oz fresh lemon juice (22 ml)
½ oz simple syrup (15 ml)
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 fresh strawberry
2–3 oz ginger beer (60–90 ml)
Strawberry slice and mint sprig, for garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Citrus juicer
Muddler
Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Fine strainer (optional)

Directions

Muddle the strawberry and simple syrup in a shaker.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, bitters, and ice.
Shake for 10–12 seconds.
Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with a strawberry slice and mint sprig.

Mixologist's Notes

The Kentucky Buck is a standout among modern bourbon cocktails, proving that creativity doesn’t require complexity.
It’s become a favorite at cocktail bars across the U.S. and is widely regarded as one of Erick Castro’s signature contributions to the modern cocktail canon.

Flavor Profile

Spicy, fruity, and refreshing with a warming bourbon backbone.

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About the Kentucky Buck cocktail

The Kentucky Buck is a refreshing bourbon cocktail created in the early 2010s by bartender Erick Castro, known for his work at San Francisco’s Rickhouse and later Polite Provisions in San Diego.

Inspired by the classic “Buck” template (spirit + citrus + ginger beer), Castro elevated the formula by adding muddled strawberry and a dash of bitters, creating a drink that’s both approachable and complex.

Since its creation, the Kentucky Buck has become a modern classic, celebrated for its balance of bourbon warmth, fruity freshness, and spicy ginger kick.

What Makes the Kentucky Buck Cocktail Special

The Kentucky Buck takes the straightforward appeal of a highball and makes it memorable.

Bourbon brings caramel and vanilla depth, fresh lemon juice brightens the mix, strawberry adds a fruity note, and ginger beer ties everything together with spice and fizz.

Unlike many modern riffs, it’s not overly complicated—just a thoughtful twist on a classic structure.

The result is a cocktail that feels casual yet crafted.

Spirit Swaps and Food Pairings

Swaps: Rye whiskey can replace bourbon for more spice, while tequila offers a playful variation sometimes called the Mexican Buck.
- For added depth, swap ginger beer for spicy ginger ale.
Pairings: The Kentucky Buck pairs beautifully with barbecue, fried chicken, grilled meats, and summer salads.
- Its fruity, spicy character also makes it a natural companion to strawberry shortcake or citrus desserts.

Closing Thoughts

The Kentucky Buck is a cocktail that bridges tradition and innovation. With bourbon as its base and ginger beer as its lift, it delivers familiar comfort, while the strawberry and bitters add just enough intrigue.

It’s proof that even in the modern cocktail era, simple ingredients used thoughtfully can create something timeless.