Sweet, spicy, with a bit of a kick — this cowtown has a love for mules. Kansas City’s signature drink, the Horsefeather, is a whiskey-based twist on the classic Moscow mule cocktail. We’ve got the bit on what makes this a KC classic + how to mix your own.
Proof of origin
We’ve lost the pedigree, but most mixologists agree that the modern day mythos combines three origin stories:
First, a recipe published by The Kansas City Journal in 1898, calling for “cracked ice, a peel of lemon, a jig of whiskey, a dash of orange bitters.”
Second, Gary Regan’s 1991 book “The Bartender’s Bible” that details a blended whiskey-based “Horse Feathers” — albeit not the modern day recipe.
Lastly, the story of Paradise Café, a Lawrence, KS watering hole of the 90s. Legend has it that the bar decided to add Old Overholt rye to Regan’s Horse Feathers — a recipe that followed its bartenders to new scenes, including KC proper.
Mix your own
Want to make the modern day fave? You’ll need a Highball glass + cocktail stirrer, along with these ingredients:
- 1½ oz whiskey
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon/lime wedge
Add your ingredients to your Highball glass filled with ice + stir. Garnish with lemon/lime wedge and you’re ready to sip and savor.
Order its namesake + enjoy the rooftop views — we sure did. | Photos by KCtoday
Where to find it
Any reputable bartender in the city is sure to have their own twist on the classic, but if you’re looking for tried and true favorites — check out distillery J. Reiger + Co. or drink your way through The Pitch’s “Best Horsefeather” nominees.
