July Historical Cocktail Feature
The Horse's Neck (Late 1880s)
A refreshing classic with roots tracing back to Washington, D.C., and the warm summer days of the late 1800s.
July Historical Cocktail Feature
The Horse's Neck
A Refreshing Bourbon Classic from the Late 1800s
Bold. Spirited. Timeless.
Originally enjoyed as a refreshing blend of ginger ale and lemon in the late 1800s, the Horse's Neck began as a popular temperance drink served in hotels and social clubs. Its signature garnish—a single long spiral of lemon peel—gave the cocktail its memorable name, resembling the graceful curve of a horse's neck.
As America's cocktail culture evolved, bartenders introduced bourbon and aromatic bitters, transforming the Horse's Neck into a timeless highball that became a favorite in hotel bars across the country. Refreshing, approachable, and full of character, it remains a classic more than a century later.
At Parlour 1886, we honor this historic cocktail with Boot Hill Bourbon from Dodge City, Kansas, complemented by crisp ginger ale, aromatic bitters, and fresh lemon. The result is a smooth, refreshing drink that celebrates both American cocktail history and Kansas craftsmanship.
Simple ingredients. Rich history. A classic worth rediscovering.
June Historical Cocktail Feature
The Gin Rickey
A Refreshing Classic from the Late 1800s
Simple. Bright. Timeless.
Born in the heat of Washington, D.C. in the late 1800s, the Gin Rickey became the drink of choice for those seeking refreshment without excess. Named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a political lobbyist known for favoring whiskey with lime and soda, the drink evolved into a crisp gin-based classic that quickly gained popularity across America.
Unlike many cocktails of its era, the Gin Rickey embraced simplicity. With no added sugar, its bright flavor came from just a few carefully balanced ingredients: gin, fresh lime, and sparkling soda water. Light, refreshing, and endlessly drinkable, it became especially beloved during warm summer months and remained a favorite into the early 20th century.
At Parlour 1886, we honor this enduring classic with our June feature—crafted with Old Ransom Tom Gin, fresh lime, and soda water, prepared with respect for the drink’s original roots.
No syrups. No excess. Just a beautifully refreshing cocktail with a story worth savoring.
May Historical Cocktail Feature
The Tom Collins
Bright. Refreshing. Timeless.
The Tom Collins traces its roots back to the 1870s, when a playful rumor swept through bars across America.
Known as the “Tom Collins Hoax,” patrons were told a man named Tom Collins had been speaking poorly of them nearby—sending people from tavern to tavern searching for someone who didn’t exist. Bartenders embraced the moment, serving a refreshing mix of gin, lemon, sugar, and soda water under the now-famous name.
Light, citrusy, and sparkling, the Tom Collins quickly became a favorite in hotel bars, parlours, and gentlemen’s clubs, earning its place as one of America’s enduring classics.
At Parlour 1886, we honor this tradition with Old Ransom Tom Gin, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and soda—creating a cocktail that is both historic and refreshingly timeless.
