New Orleans Buck Cocktail Recipe: History, Variations & Serving

The New Orleans Buck is a refreshing, citrusy cocktail that blends bourbon with ginger ale and fresh lemon juice. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, inspired by the broader category of Buck cocktails—drinks that typically combine a spirit, ginger beer or ginger ale, and citrus. While the Buck cocktail family has a variety of interpretations using different spirits, the New Orleans Buck gained popularity in the Crescent City, where bourbon’s rich, smooth flavor paired perfectly with the zing of ginger and the tartness of lemon. The drink embodies the vibrant, flavorful essence of New Orleans’ cocktail culture.

This cocktail is versatile and lends itself well to alternate ingredients and variations. While bourbon is the classic base spirit, some bartenders may substitute it with rum, whiskey, or even gin, offering different flavor profiles to suit the drinker's preference. In some variations, ginger beer is used instead of ginger ale for a spicier kick, while others might include a dash of bitters or swap lemon juice with lime for a sharper citrus bite. For a slightly sweeter version, bartenders may add a splash of simple syrup or use a sweeter ginger ale. These adaptations allow the New Orleans Buck to be customized for a range of tastes and occasions.

The New Orleans Buck is most commonly served in cocktail bars that specialize in craft drinks, especially in New Orleans itself. It is particularly popular in places with a focus on Southern traditions and bourbon-based cocktails. You can find the New Orleans Buck in iconic establishments throughout the French Quarter, where the city’s cocktail heritage is celebrated. It’s also gaining popularity in cities with strong cocktail cultures like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, where bartenders appreciate the drink’s balance of bold bourbon and refreshing ginger. Whether enjoyed at a lively bar or during a relaxed evening, the New Orleans Buck is a timeless cocktail that brings a taste of New Orleans with every sip.

Ingredients:

2 oz Light Rum

1 oz Orange Juice

1/2 oz Lemon Juice

Top up with Ginger ale

Mixing method:

Shake all ingredients except Ginger ale with ice. Strain into a collins glass with ice cubes. Top up with Ginger ale and stir.

This particular cocktail, and more fantastic top cocktail recipes can be found under the Alcoholic cocktails category.

Explore the New Orleans Buck cocktail, its history in the Crescent City, ingredient variations, and the best places to enjoy this refreshing bourbon, ginger, and citrus drink.

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