The Horsefeather Cocktail from Shaker and Spoon
- May 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 29
About the Cocktail from Shaker & Spoon
Source: Shaker & Spoon Brochure
The Horsefeather cocktail is a modern classic in Kansas City, having originated in nearby Lawrence, KS. Ryan Maybee loves its historical sense of place, and how well It represents a whiskey cocktail that's light and refreshing as well as approachable and delicious—which is why it became the signature serve of Kansas City's J. Rieger & Co. from the very start. Enjoy this drink with their Kansas City Whiskey: a blend of bourbon, rye, and light corn whiskey aged separately, with the addition of a small amount of oloroso sherry, just as it was first produced back in the 1800s.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
The Cocktail Recipe from Shaker & Spoon
Source: Shaker & Spoon Brochure
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 oz Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey
1/4 oz super lemon juice
4 oz Uncle Waithley's Vincy Brew Original Ginger Beer
1 tsp Angostura bitters
1 piece crystallized ginger
1 spritz lemon oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and ginger beer to a Collins Glass.
Fill the glass with ice and use a bar spoon to stir gently to chill and combine.
Garnish with a float of the Angostura bitters, by slowly and carefully pouring the bitters onto the surface of the drink over the back of a bar spoon, allowing them to settle on top in a visible layer.
Skewer a piece of crystallized ginger on one of the provided cocktail picks and balance It across the rim of the glass.
For the aromatic finishing touch, spray the lemon oil over the top of the drink.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How We Feel About the Cocktail
The Horsefeather Cocktail – Our Experience
The Horsefeather arrived in our Shaker & Spoon box with that familiar promise: simple ingredients, smart technique, and a flavor profile that feels both classic and just a little rebellious. The kit leaned into the cocktail’s Kansas City roots, but since we didn’t have the recommended Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey, we reached for Blue Run’s High Rye Bourbon Whiskey—a bottle that brings its own personality to the glass. That choice ended up shaping the entire experience in a really memorable way.
The Nose
Before the first sip, the aroma set the tone. The ginger’s brightness rose immediately, but the Blue Run rye backbone added a deeper, warmer layer than a standard bourbon would have. There was a lift of citrus from the cocktail components, but underneath it all, the whiskey’s high‑rye spice pushed forward—peppery, slightly herbal, and surprisingly elegant. It made the drink smell more complex than its short ingredient list would suggest.
The Palate
The first sip was where everything snapped into place. The ginger heat and the rye spice met right in the center, creating this lively, almost sparkling energy across the palate. Blue Run’s sweetness—light caramel, a touch of vanilla—softened the edges just enough, but never dulled the spice. The cocktail walked a line between refreshing and bold, with the whiskey’s character shining through more prominently than we expected. Each sip felt layered: ginger first, then whiskey, then a subtle citrus brightness that kept it from ever feeling heavy.
The Finish
The finish lingered longer than we anticipated, thanks again to the high‑rye bourbon. A warm, spicy tingle stayed at the back of the palate, mingling with the fading ginger. It wasn’t sharp or hot—just pleasantly persistent. The cocktail left a whisper of sweetness and spice that made it incredibly easy to go back for another sip.
Overall
This version of the Horsefeather felt like a perfect marriage of simplicity and personality. The Shaker & Spoon components gave it structure and balance, but the Blue Run High Rye Bourbon Whiskey transformed it into something with more depth and swagger. It was refreshing without being light, spicy without being aggressive, and flavorful without being fussy.
In the end, it became one of those cocktails that feels casual enough for a weeknight but interesting enough to serve to friends—especially if you want to show off how a whiskey substitution can completely reshape a classic.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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