The whisky world is vast, ever-changing, and increasing in popularity. The list of great whisky drinks, on the other hand, is ever-growing. There are a few tried-and-true methods for creating a good all-around whisky experience, however.
Whisky may be mixed and served in a variety of ways, as these cocktails demonstrate. They contain some of the most well-known whisky drinks, which have been adored by enthusiasts for decades (or even longer). It’s an excellent starting point for someone who wants to learn everything there is to know about whisky. So grab your favourite glass and start whipping up a whisky cocktail masterclass!
Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan is a whisky classic that combines rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters to make an iconic drink. It’s similar to the martini in terms of taste and serves as the foundation for many mixed drinks. You can use any type of alcohol, such as bourbon, Canadian whisky, or whatever else you like. It’s a great recipe to try out any new-to-you brand with.
The beauty of the Manhattan lies in its elegant simplicity and the way each ingredient complements the others to create a harmonious whole. Traditionally served in a chilled coupe or martini glass with a maraschino cherry, this cocktail has been a symbol of sophistication since the 1870s.
Old Fashioned
A simple way to dress up whisky is to use an Old Fashioned glass. It’s a great method to experiment with any style of whisky since it’s made simply with bitters, sugar, and an orange slice.
Despite its name suggesting antiquity, the Old Fashioned remains thoroughly modern in its appeal, representing the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication. The key to a brilliant Old Fashioned lies in the technique: properly muddling the sugar cube with bitters to create a paste, then slowly building the drink with whisky and a large ice cube to prevent over-dilution.
Whisky Sour
The Whisky Sour is a classic drink that you just can’t miss out on. You’ll like how the tart lemon counters some of the more earthy notes in bourbon (backed with a little simple syrup). It adds an interesting texture to the shaker if you include an egg white, but it’s not required.
The addition of egg white, whilst optional, transforms the Whisky Sour from a simple mixed drink into a luxurious cocktail experience, creating a silky foam that adds both visual appeal and textural complexity. This technique, known as a ‘Boston Sour’, requires a proper dry shake followed by a wet shake to achieve the perfect frothy top.
John Collins
One of the easiest cocktails to make at home, you might enjoy a John Collins by topping your whisky sour with club soda, which is a wonderfully refreshing happy hour cocktail. You may take the recipe and substitute any spirit to create another Collins family of drinks, from gin to tequila, once you’ve mastered it.
The John Collins represents the perfect balance between simplicity and refreshment, making it ideal for warm weather entertaining. The effervescence from the soda water lifts the drink and creates a lighter alternative to the traditional whisky sour, whilst the tall glass packed with ice ensures every sip remains properly chilled.
Irish Coffee
The Irish coffee is one of the most classic methods to enhance your coffee on a chilly winter night or after a meal. It’s made with coffee, Irish whisky, brown sugar, and a drizzle of freshly whipped cream. This traditional drink demonstrates that it’s possible to make an excellent beverage without needing fancy kit or difficult-to-source ingredients.
The secret to an authentic Irish Coffee lies in the precise technique and quality of ingredients, particularly the cream, which should be lightly whipped to the consistency of pouring cream rather than fully whipped. The cream is carefully floated on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon, creating distinct layers that allow each sip to combine the bitter coffee, smooth whisky, and rich cream in perfect harmony.
Read: 8 of the world’s best coffee and alcohol cocktails
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is one of the most refreshing cocktails you’ll ever taste. Fresh mint, sugar, your favourite bourbon, and a little work with the muddler make it easy.
This one is also very popular in that many julep variations have been developed based on the original formula, with the guys at Lochs of Whisky suggesting a Mint Julep and Margarita hybrid is about as invigorating a summer cocktail as you’re likely to lay lips on.
The key to a proper Mint Julep lies in the muddling technique – gently bruising the mint leaves to release their oils without pulverising them into bitter fragments. Traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup packed with crushed ice, the vessel becomes delightfully frosty on the outside, creating an almost ceremonial drinking experience that’s synonymous with Southern hospitality.
Read: 5 IDEAL tips for hosting your own cocktail party
Vieux Carre
Although the Vieux Carre is a famous New Orleans cocktail, you don’t have to go to “The Big Easy” to enjoy it. The Vieux Carre is wonderfully complex, comprised of rye whisky, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and two types of bitters. Follow the directions carefully to maintain the correct balance.
This sophisticated sipper represents the height of bartending artistry, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavour that evolve with every sip. Named after the French Quarter in New Orleans, the Vieux Carre requires patience and precision to achieve the perfect balance between the warming spirits and the herbal complexity of the Bénédictine.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is often described as the whisky lover’s answer to the Negroni. This sophisticated cocktail combines bourbon or rye whisky with sweet vermouth and Campari, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s both bitter and sweet.
Created in the 1920s by Erskine Gwynne, an American writer living in Paris, the Boulevardier has experienced a renaissance in recent years amongst cocktail enthusiasts. It’s typically served over ice in an old-fashioned glass with an orange twist, making it an excellent sipper for those who appreciate complex, spirit-forward cocktails. The drink’s ruby-red colour and bold flavour profile make it particularly appealing during the cooler months.
Highball
The Highball is a simple two-ingredient mixed drink that is tall and refreshing. Blended whiskys, rye whisky, and bourbons all taste wonderful with ginger ale, so there’s no reason to make a bad cocktail. If you like it lighter, club soda can be added as well.
The brilliance of the Highball lies in its unassuming nature – it allows the whisky’s character to shine whilst providing refreshment through effervescence and dilution. The ratio of whisky to mixer can be adjusted to taste, making it an excellent introduction to whisky for newcomers whilst remaining satisfying for seasoned drinkers.
Pickleback
The pickleback is a recent fad that was developed in Brooklyn and quickly caught the attention of whisky enthusiasts. It’s simply a combination of Irish whisky and pickle juice.
The science behind the Pickleback’s appeal lies in the way the acidic pickle brine cleanses the palate after the whisky, neutralising the alcohol burn whilst enhancing the spirit’s flavours. This unconventional pairing has become a beloved ritual in dive bars and trendy establishments alike, proving that sometimes the most unusual combinations create the most memorable drinking experiences.
While it appears to be an odd mix, it’s surprisingly pleasant to drink, simple to consume, and enhanced with a beer chaser. What’s more, it’s a vegan cocktail…result!
Next up, we’re exploring the joys of Japanese whisky. Care to share a glass?
