The Horsefeather, a perfectly balanced amalgamation of whiskey, ginger beer, bitters, and a lemon wedge, is a charming representation of Kansas City, Missouri. Its genesis remains a mystery, however it's generally agreed that Lawrence, Kansas was its birthing grounds, sometime in the 1990s. It then spread its wings to become a beloved beverage of the region.

Any seasoned mixologist would agree, there's an echo of folklore in the choice of ingredients that make up the Horsefeather. It closely mimics the classic Horse’s Neck cocktail in both nomenclature and concoction, a timeless blend of ginger ale spiked with whiskey that harks back to the early 20th century.

Moreover, the Horsefeather cocktail confidently anchors its place in the family of buck cocktails; drinks characterized by a strong spirit base diluted with the zingy punch of ginger beer. Famous cousins include the Kentucky Buck and the Moscow Mule.

The whiskey base, either bourbon or rye, strikes a comfortingly warm note with hints of caramel and vanilla. This noticeably softens the sharp tang of the ginger beer. The cocktail is further complemented by a few drops of Angostura bitters, which add a warm undertone of baking spice.

The addition of a lemon wedge is both practical and aesthetic, offering a vibrant visual appeal and an aromatic citrus burst. The acerbity of the lemon juice effortlessly binds the flavors of the ginger beer and whiskey creating an exquisite harmony.

When it comes to creating your own Horsefeather, here's what you need: a measure and a half of whiskey, four ounces of ginger beer, four dashes of bitters, and a fresh lemon wedge. Pour the whiskey, ginger beer, and bitters into a Collins glass or a highball glass filled to the brim with ice. Squeeze over the lemon, don't forget to drop the wedge husk into the glass too. Give it a gentle stir to beautifully meld the flavors together.