New Orleans Buck

I've not been a big fan of the Buck series of cocktails (like the Peach Buck, Gin Buck, Brandy Buck and Rum Buck, that usually include a spirit, lime juice and ginger ale.) But I think my lack of enthusiasm for these drinks comes from using Bacardi rum and cheap ginger ale.

Q Ginger Ale really resurrects these drinks. I'm a huge fan of this cocktail when made with Vitae Platinum Rum, which has a lovely sugary, marshmallow flavor of its own to add. In addition to these, there's lime juice and orange juice--which I think is what makes this cocktail "New Orleans." I'm not surprised at this. Often a bit of orange juice sneaks into a location-specific drink to make it more special (read less tart). This is one long drink that you can enjoy at any time or any place, however. It is rich enough for winter weather, but cooling enough for Mardi Gras celebrations.

• 2 oz. light rum (Vitae Platinum Rum used)
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. orange juice
• ginger ale (Q ginger ale used)
• lime slice

Combine all ingredients except ginger ale and lime slice in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled highball glass full of fresh ice. Top with ginger ale and stir gently. Garnish with the lime slice. 

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