The world of whiskey is vast and constantly expanding. Likewise, the list of great whiskey cocktails continues to grow. There are, however, a few tried and true recipes that are essential to creating a well-rounded whiskey experience.
These drinks showcase the versatility of whiskey. They include some of the most popular whiskey cocktails that enthusiasts have enjoyed for decades (or far longer). It is a perfect list for the beginner to explore everything possible with whiskey. So, grab your whiskey glasses from Drinkstuff and let’s begin!
1- Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan is a popular rye cocktail that consists of rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a spirit that has comparable taste and purpose to gin, but it’s produced differently. The cosmopolitan is a popular mixed drink, similar to the martini, made with vodka rather than gin. This drink is fantastic to test out any new-to-you liquor brand; you may use it with bourbon, Canadian whisky, or any other form of alcohol.
2- Old-Fashioned
Is it possible to dress up whiskey in an old-fashioned manner? It’s an excellent chance to taste anything from whiskey with this delicious cocktail, which includes bitters, sugar, and an orange slice. This cocktail, in addition to being tasty, has also served as a source of inspiration for several modern old-fashioneds that are equally intriguing.
3- Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a classic drink with an unrivaled history. The tart lemon and the sweet notes in whiskey (backed up by a touch of simple syrup) combine to make this drink quite delightful. The shaker’s design and functionality are reminiscent of an egg carton, adding to the drink’s rustic feel. However, if you don’t want the shaker to have a carton-like mouthfeel, you may omit the egg white.
4- John Collins
The John Collins is a combination of club soda and whiskey sour. It’s wonderfully refreshing and makes for a fantastic happy hour beverage. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you may modify the recipe to make any spirit, from gin to tequila, and explore the entire Collins family of cocktails.
5- Irish Coffee
One of the greatest methods to enhance your coffee on a chilly winter night or after a big dinner is with authentic Irish coffee. It’s as easy as pouring coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a little freshly whipped cream into a blender. No garnish is needed! This timeless classic delivers proof that a fantastic drink does not need to be complicated.
Also Read: A Guide to Buying Ground Coffee
6- Mint Julep
The mint julep, which is one of the most refreshing beverages you will discover, is an important component of any whiskey experience. All you need is some fresh mint, sugar, your favorite bourbon, and a little muddling with the muddler to make it. This one, as well as the other three varieties of the julep, is so popular that numerous julep variations have emerged from it.
7- Vieux Carre
You don’t have to go all the way to New Orleans to enjoy this famous cocktail. The Vieux Carre is a wonderfully complex cocktail created with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and two types of bitters. To maintain the ideal balance of tastes, stick to the recipe and carefully measure out each component.
8- Highball
The highball is a quick and easy two-ingredient mixed drink that’s great for when you’re in the mood for something tall, refreshing, and tasty. Blended whiskeys, rye whiskey, and bourbons all taste wonderful with the ginger ale, so you can’t make a terrible cocktail. If you want to loosen it up a bit, add club soda.
9- Pickleback
The pickleback is a recent fad that has caught the attention of whiskey enthusiasts due to its spread in Brooklyn. It’s simply a combination of Irish whiskey and pickle juice. It’s surprisingly scrumptious, simple to consume, and superb with a beer chaser. It might sound odd, but it’s quite tasty, easy to drink, and even better with a beer chaser.
10- Lynchburg Lemonade
This is one of the most frequently misinformed misconceptions. However, one of the greatest ways to drink Tennessee whiskey is with a taste of the original Lynchburg lemonade.
This tall drink compliments the whiskey’s robust character with sweet and tart citrus and lemon-lime soda, providing the ideal summer refresher.
11- Fancy Whiskey Cocktail
It’s incredible to consider that sugar, orange liqueur, and bitters were once seen as “high-end” cocktail ingredients. Even yet, one taste of this delectable classic will provide a decent indication as to why it has been enjoyed for over a century. The pricey whiskey drink rivals any current cocktail and is ideal for a fantastic blended whiskey.
12- Sazerac
The Sazerac is a popular cocktail made with rye whiskey. It has a distinct flavor profile. The ingredients are simple: spicy rye, sugar, bitters, and anise liqueur, such as absinthe. That last component makes this beverage unique, and it’s especially delicious paired with the new crop of outstanding ryes available today.
