buck & A Half

1.5 ounces Belle Meade Bourbon

¾ ounce Maple Syrup

¾ ounce Lime Juice

3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Ginger Beer

Build: Shake

Glass: Double Rocks

Ice: Cubes

Garnish: Lime

Instructions: Put Bourbon, Maple, Lime, and Bitters in a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into double rocks glass over ice. Top up with Ginger Beer (Fever Tree works well) and give a quick stir with a straw before garnishing. 

This drink is simple yet striking and was a big hit at the 2025 Nashville Cocktail Festival. So, for all of those that asked for the recipe, well here ya go!

The back story? Ginger drinks while often called a Mule these days were called a Buck back in the day, and this one, well, it’s a Buck and Half. That’s in part because of its bold flavors and the fact that it’s served in a rocks glass that’s half as tall as the Collins glass that a Mules or Bucks are typically served in .

Combining the warm flavors of the Bourbon and maple syrup with the mirroring notes of lime and ginger makes for an eye opening and layered experience. If you like a Dark and Stormy you’ll love this riff that uses Bourbon and maple instead of two different rums to get a similar effect.

Created by James Hensley