Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic12.4% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusMixer
- 2.0 ozGinBase
- 2.0 ozJuice Of A LemonCitrus
- to tasteGinger AleMixer
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
- Pour gin and lemon juice over ice cubes in highball glass.
- Fill with ginger ale and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
VeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a London Buck?
- The London Buck is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 12.4%. A standard serving contains approximately 262 calories.
- What does a London Buck taste like?
- London Buck has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Lemon, Ginger, Botanical. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a London Buck?
- London Buck pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a London Buck?
- The London Buck has an ABV of approximately 12.4%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 262 calories, 28.5g sugar, 31.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a London Buck typically served?
- London Buck is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a London Buck?
- If you enjoy London Buck, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a London Buck at home?
- Yes. The London Buck uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of London Buck with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.