Contents
Classic Whiskey Cocktails
Manhattan and Its Variations
The Manhattan is like the James Bond of cocktails—classic, sophisticated, and never goes out of style. With neat ingredients, it’s a hit for whiskey aficionados. The regular go-to is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, crowned with a cherry on top (Food & Wine).
Here’s how you whip up the classic Manhattan:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Rye Whiskey | 2 oz |
| Sweet Vermouth | 1 oz |
| Angostura Bitters | 2 dashes |
| Cherry (for garnish) | 1 |
This cocktail has inspired many spinoffs over the years with varied whiskeys and bitters. Some cool tweaks include:
- Black Manhattan: Trades sweet vermouth for Averna or another amaro.
- Perfect Manhattan: Mixes equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.
- Rob Roy: Swaps rye for Scotch whiskey.
Curious about shaking things up with different whiskeys? Check out our articles on types of whiskey and rye whiskey brands.
Old Fashioned: The Timeless Favorite
Dubbed the King of Bourbon Cocktails, the Old Fashioned has been wowing folks since the 1800s. It blends whiskey, bitters, water, and sugar into a smooth, tasty drink that lets the whiskey’s true colors shine (New Riff Distilling).
Here’s the classic Old Fashioned lineup:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Bourbon or Rye Whiskey | 2 oz |
| Angostura Bitters | 2 dashes |
| Sugar Cube | 1 |
| Water | Few dashes |
| Orange Slice (for garnish) | 1 |
Feeling adventurous? Variations of the Old Fashioned offer new flavor combos. The Spruce Eats suggests:
- Chocolate Old Fashioned: Splash in some chocolate bitters.
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Mix it up with mezcal and tequila.
- Reposado Old Fashioned: Switch whiskey for reposado tequila.
For bourbon lovers, the Old Fashioned is a blank canvas ready to showcase various whiskey styles. Peek at our page on bourbon vs. whiskey to grasp their different vibes and characteristics.
Getting to know the versatility of these cocktails can up your whiskey game, especially when matched with the right bites. For extra pairings, swing by our whiskey and food pairing guide.
Unique Whiskey Creations
Paper Plane and Belmont Cocktails
If you’re the kind who loves to shake things up beyond the typical whiskey drinks, the Paper Plane and Belmont are here to jazz up your taste buds with their one-of-a-kind flair.
Paper Plane
It’s like a roller coaster of flavors—in a good way. Sweet, bitter, and just the right amount of tart, all wrapped up in that cool orange vibe thanks to Aperol.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Amaro Nonino
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Toss all the goodies into a shaker with ice.
- Give it a good, hearty shake until it feels cold as winter.
- Pour it into a chilled coupe glass.
This one’s for the cocktail lover who craves a little adventure with their drink.
Belmont
Born out of creativity, the Belmont made its mark thanks to Angie Mar back in 2017. It’s got a herbal, citrusy zing that’ll make your taste buds sit up and say hello.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 1/4 oz Chartreuse
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Chartreuse together in a shaker with ice.
- Shake it like you mean it, then strain it into a cocktail glass.
- For a bit of fancy, toss on some fresh herbs.
Perfect for those evenings when you’re in the mood for a shot of nature in your glass.
Matcha Highball and Its Japanese Twist
Taking a page from Japanese traditions, the Matcha Highball is all about blending the earthy whispers of matcha with the sleek smoothness of Japanese whisky.
Matcha Highball
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Japanese Whisky
- 1 tsp Matcha powder
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
Instructions:
- Get that matcha powder swimming in a splash of water.
- In a highball glass packed with ice, throw in the Japanese whisky and simple syrup.
- Add the matcha magic into the glass, then give it a gentle stir.
- Fill up the rest with club soda.
It’s an elegant dance of flavors—the kind you sip and sigh over, savoring the serene refreshment it brings.
Curious about the different whiskeys that can star in these drinks? Check out our guide on types of whiskey or, if you’re ready for some online whiskey shopping, swing by our buying guide at buying whiskey online.
Versatile Bourbon Cocktails
Get ready to meet some classic bourbon cocktails that turn the ordinary into something special – say hello to the Kentucky Mule, Mint Julep, and Whiskey Sour. Each of these drinks shows off bourbon’s sweet side and how well it can hang out with different flavors.
Kentucky Mule and Mint Julep
Kentucky Mule takes a fun spin on its cousin, the Moscow Mule, and mixes bourbon with ginger beer and fresh lime juice for a zesty and smooth combo.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- Lime Wedge (for garnish)
- Mint Leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Pour in that good bourbon and fresh lime juice.
- Top off with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
- Toss in a lime wedge and fresh mint for some flair.
The Mint Julep is like summer vibes in a cup, a must-have for those Kentucky Derby fans. It’s a mix of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup for something fresh and aromatic.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.25 oz Simple Syrup
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Crushed Ice
- Mint Sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Mash up those mint leaves with simple syrup in a julep cup.
- Fill it with crushed ice and throw in the bourbon.
- Stir until the cup gets that frosty chill.
- Top with more ice and crown it with a mint sprig.
| Cocktail | Alcohol (oz) | Lime Juice (oz) | Ginger Beer (oz) | Simple Syrup (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Mule | 2 | 0.5 | 4 | – |
| Mint Julep | 2 | – | – | 0.25 |
These tasty bourbon drinks are a perfect starter into the land of bourbon cocktails (Townsend Stillhouse).
Whiskey Sour: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
The Whiskey Sour is a time-honored cocktail that pairs the tang of lemon juice, the sweet simplicity of syrup, and the mellow notes of bourbon. Throw in an egg white, and you’ve got yourself a uniquely frothy treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- Egg White (if you’re feeling fancy)
- Angostura Bitters (for garnish)
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Mix bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white (if you’re using it) in a shaker.
- Give it a dry shake (without ice) to mix up the egg white.
- Add ice, shake it again until cold.
- Strain into a glass packed with ice.
- Finish with a dash of Angostura and a cherry on top.
| Ingredient | Amount (oz) |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 2 |
| Lemon Juice | 0.75 |
| Simple Syrup | 0.5 |
| Egg White (optional) | – |
The Whiskey Sour is a hit for folks who love whiskey’s ease and balance (The Spruce Eats).
Dig into more whiskey cocktail recipes and spice up your home gatherings. Want to know more about the magic of whiskey? Check out our guides on bourbon vs. whiskey and whiskey tasting notes.
Shake Up Your Whiskey World
Tired of the usual whiskey neat? Add some zing to your sips with these crazy awesome whiskey cocktails! It’s not just about the drink—it’s about the whole wild ride. Here are four cocktails that’ll make you see this old spirit in new ways: Toronto, Washington Apple, Japanese Sour, and the jaw-dropping Nail in the Coffin.
Toronto and Washington Apple
Toronto Cocktail
The Toronto cocktail, a classy spin on the Old Fashioned, hails from way back in Robert Vermeire’s 1922 cocktail book. Canadian rye whiskey gives it that age-old charm, paired with the distinct taste of Fernet-Branca add some bitters and you got yourself one heck of a drink.
What You Need:
- 2 oz Canadian rye whiskey
- 0.25 oz Fernet-Branca
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- A snazzy orange twist for garnish
How to Jolt Your Tastebuds:
- Mix your rye, Fernet-Branca, syrup, and bitters in a glass with ice.
- Give it a good stir until it’s super chill.
- Pour into a chilled coupe—fancy!
- Finish off with an orange twist.
Washington Apple Cocktail
Whispers in the wind say the Washington Apple cocktail came from apples that, thanks to a mishap, ended up in liquid form. Canadian whiskey and cranberry juice joined the party to create this fruity fusion.
What You Need:
- 1 oz Canadian whiskey
- 1 oz apple liqueur
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- A slice of apple to make it fancy
Here’s the Play-by-Play:
- Shake your whiskey, apple liqueur, and cranberry juice with ice until well mixed.
- Pour into a martini glass – classy points earned.
- Top it off with that apple slice perfection.
Japanese Sour and Nail in the Coffin
Japanese Sour
Picture Japanese whisky mingling with tart yuzu and sweet kuromitsu—sounds divine, right? It gets shaken up without ice first, then with ice, and bitters on top for a final flourish.
What You Need:
- 2 oz Japanese whisky
- 0.75 oz yuzu juice
- 0.5 oz kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to Mix:
- Toss whisky, yuzu juice, and kuromitsu in a shaker sans ice.
- Shake your heart out for 10 seconds.
- Ice it up, shake again till chilled.
- Pour over ice and capp it with bitters and a lemon twist.
Nail in the Coffin Cocktail
This one’s for the bold! The Nail in the Coffin boasts Yamazaki 12-year-old whisky, dry Madeira, Licor 43, and Fernet-Branca. What could make it even cooler? Fresh black cardamom, that’s what!
What You Need:
- 1.5 oz Yamazaki 12-year-old whisky
- 0.5 oz dry Madeira wine
- 0.5 oz Licor 43
- 0.25 oz Fernet-Branca
- A sprinkle of black cardamom on top
How to Party:
- Mix your favorite whisky and other liquid friends in a glass with ice.
- Stir till your wrist hurts, or at least till it’s chilled.
- Pour into a coupe glass having its moody aesthetic.
- Shave some black cardamom to make it pop.
Try these rocking whiskey cocktails and jazz up any gathering. Whether you’re feeling the Toronto’s complexity or the Washington Apple’s refreshing sweetness, these drinks will up your whiskey game. Fancy more whiskey fun? Give our guide on how is whiskey made a look-see!
| Cocktail | What’s In It | Fancy Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Canadian rye, Fernet-Branca, simple syrup, Angostura bitters | Orange twist |
| Washington Apple | Canadian whiskey, apple liqueur, cranberry juice | Apple slice |
| Japanese Sour | Japanese whisky, yuzu juice, kuromitsu, Angostura bitters | Lemon twist |
| Nail in the Coffin | Yamazaki whisky, dry Madeira, Licor 43, Fernet-Branca | Black cardamom |
Seasonal Whiskey Elixirs
Whiskey cocktails are like your favorite sweater—perfect for any time of year, but with just the right tweaks, they’re especially cozy for those chillier months. Let’s dive into some winter-ready whiskey concoctions that’ll warm your spirit and bring festive vibes to any gathering.
Winter Whiskey Sour and Mint Julep
Winter Whiskey Sour
Think of the Winter Whiskey Sour as the cocktail equivalent of a holiday party. It’s your classic bourbon sour sprinkled with a bit of holiday magic—thanks to some orange juice and a dash of edible gold glitter for that sparkle.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Edible gold glitter (for those who want a fancy flair)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Toss the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup into a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake like you’re trying to stay warm.
- Pour into an old-fashioned glass topped with ice.
- Dress it up with a lemon twist and a glitter sprinkle if you’re feeling extra.
Mint Julep
Sure, you usually sip Mint Juleps in the summer, but why let the warm weather have all the fun? Add a splash of peppermint extract, and you’ve got a winter-ready refreshment.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 15 mint leaves—fresh is best!
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- A dash of peppermint extract (holiday twist)
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
- Smush the mint leaves and syrup together in a julep cup.
- Toss in the peppermint extract and bourbon.
- Pile in the crushed ice and stir until the cup frosts up.
- Stick a mint sprig on top to complete the look.
Festive Cranberry Whiskey Sour
The Cranberry Whiskey Sour is bursting with holiday spirit. It’s your standard sour, but with a splash of cranberry juice, and it’ll stand out in any festive lineup.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey (your preference)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Frozen cranberries (sprinkle some on for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine whiskey, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until well mixed.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass with ice.
- Top off with a few frozen cranberries.
| Cocktail | Main Ingredients | Garnish |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Whiskey Sour | Bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, simple syrup | Lemon twist and gold glitter |
| Festive Cranberry Whiskey Sour | Whiskey, lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup | Frozen cranberries |
Want to up your whiskey game? Check out the lowdown on bourbon vs. whiskey and see if rye whiskey brands fit your style. A good pairing and knowing your whiskey’s story can turn any drink into an unforgettable experience (whiskey and food pairing and whiskey tasting notes).
Whiskey Delights for All Occasions
Whether you’re a die-hard whiskey fan or just dabbling, these cocktails can jazz up any shindig or season. Here we spill the beans on two whiskey wonders that fit the bill for pretty much any bash.
Spiced Clementine Mulled Whisky
When the chill rolls in, this cocktail is like a warm hug laced with whiskey and a zing of clementines. Perfect for huddled-up, cozy nights or festive fiascos with the crew.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whiskey
- 1 liter apple cider
- 4 clementines, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Toss everything into a pot.
- Let it hang out over a low flame for about 20-25 minutes.
- Pour, strain, and sip away in your favorite mug.
Table: Spiced Clementine Mulled Whisky Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whiskey | 2 cups |
| Apple Cider | 1 liter |
| Clementines | 4, sliced |
| Cinnamon Sticks | 3 |
| Star Anise | 2 |
| Cloves | 4 |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 tsp |
This drink serves up warmth that wards off any nippy night and gets you into that holiday groove with its spicy, fruity medley. Wanna dive deeper into festive whiskey concoctions? Check out our section on seasonal whiskey elixirs.
Celebratory Sweet Manhattan Cocktail
Add a dash of class to your celebrations with the Sweet Manhattan. Crafted with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, it’s a posh mainstay that never duds out.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
- Grab yourself a mixing glass and ice it up.
- Pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir it smooth as silk till it’s nice and chilly.
- Serve up in a martini glass, give it a cherry on top.
Table: Celebratory Sweet Manhattan Cocktail Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rye Whiskey | 2 oz |
| Sweet Vermouth | 1 oz |
| Angostura Bitters | 2 dashes |
| Maraschino Cherry | 1, for garnish |
This drink’s a game-changer for cheers-ing to life’s special chapters, be it anniversaries or big wins. For more spins on this timeless tipple, meander over to our section on unique whiskey creations.
With these whiskey cocktail staples up your sleeve, you’ll be prepped to party in style, any day of the week. Looking for more liquid inspiration? Drop by our guide to the best whiskey for beginners and discover everything whiskey has to offer.