Wild Kentucky Buck

This cocktail is a last frontier style adaptation of the "Kentucky Buck," a drink which was first concocted by the illustrious San Diego bartender Erick Castro. The original is a truly splendid libation, but even with the best of recipes, geographical happenstance sometimes necessitates the taking of certain liberties...and so the Wild Kentucky Buck was born. It can be challenging to find perfectly ripe strawberries in the heart of Alaska, and colder climes tend to call for a drink with a heftier kick, so this version is flavored with wild lingonberries instead of strawberries and ginger liqueur in place of ginger beer. Although it is fairly similar to the original cocktail in terms of flavor profile, there is nothing at all fizzy or soft here. This version is stronger, simpler, and served straight up...might also just be the secret recipe for life in the guise of a drink.

This drink is thoroughly enjoyable anytime, but it does somehow feel particularly appropriate for a Kentucky Derby party.

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• Ingredients for a Wild Kentucky Buck
• Instructions
• 📖 Recipe

Ingredients for a Wild Kentucky Buck

• bourbon
• ginger liqueur
• lemon juice
• wild lingonberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Hint: Since the ginger liqueur contributes a significantly spicy note to this drink, I recommend choosing a bourbon that is less heavy on the spice. Elijah Craig, Knob Creek, and Wild Turkey are good options, to name just a few.

📖 Recipe