Here are all the best whiskey cocktails for any occasion! Pick from these easy drinks using bourbon, Scotch, Irish and rye whiskey, from a classic Old Fashioned to a whiskey sour.
Got a bottle of whiskey? After making dozens of whiskey cocktails, I’ve learned it’s one of the most versatile spirits out there. There are easy drinks, and craft cocktails with unique ingredients. While it’s often used in fall and winter, there are summer whiskey drinks, too. The flavor ranges from sweet, sour, spicy, spirit-forward, and fruity: there’s truly something for everyone!
As a home cocktail expert and certified mixologist, I’ve gone through my list of the best whiskey cocktails, and I’ve realized it’s a true history lesson. These classic whiskey drinks span the ages: starting in 1688, through the 1800’s to the Prohibition Era and today.
The cocktail recipes in the list below include all types of whiskey, including bourbon cocktails, Scotch whisky cocktails, rye whiskey cocktails, and Irish whiskey cocktails.
25 Great Whiskey Cocktails
Best Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is the gateway drink that converts skeptics into whiskey lovers! This classic balances the spicy warmth of bourbon with bright lemon juice and just enough sweetness. I like using maple syrup instead of simple syrup to add depth. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with an egg white foam to make a Boston Sour.
Made with: Any type of whiskey; bourbon preferred
Whiskey Smash
Picture bartenders in the 1880s muddling fresh mint and lemon for this refreshing drink! The Whiskey Smash appeared in cocktail guides as early as 1887. Fresh mint is muddled with lemon and sweetener, then mixed with whiskey and served over crushed ice.
Made with: Any type of whiskey
Whiskey Highball
Here’s a refreshing whiskey cocktail: the classic Whiskey Highball! This two-ingredient cocktail originated around the turn of the 20th century and it’s still popular to this day. It’s so easy to make: no cocktail shakers or fancy ingredients required! It’s an intriguing way to enjoy the flavors in a sip of whiskey. Serve it in summer or anytime you need a bubbly refresher.
Made with: Any type of whiskey
Classic Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail: it’s a piece of history dating back to the early 1800s. This drink is essentially just lightly sweetened whiskey, seasoned with bitters and garnished with an orange peel. For my recipe, I prefer letting the whiskey be the star, with just enough sugar and bitters to enhance the flavor.
Made with: Bourbon or rye whiskey
Manhattan Cocktail
Created at The Manhattan Club in New York City in the 1870s, this three-ingredient classic is an exercize in balance. The Manhattan combines spicy rye whiskey with sweet vermouth and herbal bitters. Every sip reveals new layers. It’s pure and simple: exactly what a great whiskey cocktail should be.
Made with: Rye whiskey
Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that was invented in the 1920’s, a variation on the Negroni that swaps gin for whiskey. It’s thought to have been invented by an American writer who founded a monthly magazine in Paris called the Boulevardier. Think of it as the Negroni’s more approachable cousin: the bourbon’s caramel notes balance the bitterness of Campari.
Made with: Bourbon whiskey
Irish Mule
The Irish mule takes a classic Moscow Mule and swaps the vodka for Irish whiskey, making a great intro drink to whiskey that’s light and bubbly! This is one of the easiest cocktails you’ll ever make: just Irish whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice poured over ice.
Made with: Irish whisky
Classic Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has been around since 1784, when it was actually prescribed as stomach medicine. By 1938, it became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Fresh mint gets muddled with sugar and bourbon, then served over crushed ice in a frosty silver cup. (I personally prefer the Whiskey Smash to this drink since it’s a little sweeter and tangier, but that’s just me!)
Made with: Bourbon whiskey
Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane was created in 2007 by bartender Sam Ross, proving that great whiskey cocktails can still be made today! This brilliant cocktail balances bourbon with bitter Aperol and herbal amaro, creating equal parts sweet, bitter, and tangy.
Made with: Bourbon whiskey
Gold Rush Cocktail
Despite its vintage-sounding name, the Gold Rush is another modern creation from the mid-2000s! This spin on the Whiskey Sour uses honey syrup instead of simple syrup. The honey brings out bourbon’s natural caramel notes and adds a nuance to the flavor. It’s become one of my most-requested drinks!
Made with: Bourbon whiskey
New York Sour
The New York Sour is a well-known variation on the whiskey sour (and a personal favorite) that floats a layer of red wine on top. It’s thought to have been invented by a bartender in the 1880’s in Chicago, then picked up and made popular in New York City (hence the name). The red wine adds intrigue, and a fruity acidity: and it looks simply stunning with the bright two-toned layer!
Made with: Bourbon or rye whiskey
Classic Irish Coffee
Bitter coffee meets buttery Irish whiskey and whipped cream in a classic Irish Coffee! It’s technically a coffee drink, but the whiskey transforms it into a cozy dessert cocktail that’s perfect for after dinner or cold winter nights.
Made with: Irish whiskey
Bourbon Sidecar
The bourbon Sidecar is a variation on the classic Sidecar, one of the great sour cocktails. It was invented in the 1920s, and the name likely came from an American army captain who drove around in a motorcycle sidecar. Change the brandy to bourbon, and you’ve got a whole new drink! This one trades the fruitiness of brandy for the spicy sweet finish of bourbon whiskey.
Made with: Bourbon whiskey
Milk Punch
Dating back to 1688 Scotland, Milk Punch is one of the oldest cocktails in existence. This New Orleans brunch favorite stars bourbon, brandy, milk, and vanilla. The first sip reveals the genius: it’s creamy and rich without being heavy, making it perfect for lazy weekends or holiday parties.
Made with: Bourbon whiskey
Brown Derby Cocktail
Here’s a whiskey cocktail that’s sweet, citrusy and just plain fun: the Brown Derby cocktail! This 1930’s retro drink was named after a restaurant chain in LA. It tones down spicy whiskey with sweet grapefruit juice. This drink uses honey syrup instead of the traditional simple syrup, which adds complexity and mellow undertones.
Made with: Bourbon whiskey
Brooklyn Cocktail
Let’s move on to rye whiskey cocktails! If you love a Manhattan, the Brooklyn is a must-try. This mixed drink is named after the Brooklyn neighborhood in New York City, a spin on the Manhattan using rye whiskey, dry vermouth and Maraschino liqueur. The first printed recipe for this drink appeared in 1908.
Made with: Rye whiskey
Sazerac Cocktail
The Sazerac is a classic rye whiskey cocktail that’s the official drink of New Orleans. It’s made with Cognac, rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud’s bitters. It’s a little like an Old Fashioned, with the addition a black licorice finish to each sip.
Made with: Rye whiskey
La Louisiane
Do you love spirit-forward drinks like the Sazerac or a Manhattan? Try the La Louisiane! This unique drink is a classic cocktail from the 1800’s that most people have never heard of, similar to a Sazerac. It’s got more roundness and complexity in flavors: herbal from Benedictine, lightly sweet from vermouth, with a black licorice finish from absinthe.
Made with: Rye whiskey
Old Pal Cocktail
Here’s a drink that’s complex and spirit-forward, a unique rye whiskey cocktail. The Old Pal pairs bitter Campari with dry vermouth and fiery rye whiskey into a drink that’s dry, bitter and spicy all at once. Some might say the Old Pal is a variation on a Negroni, but it’s actually closest to the Boulevardier.
Made with: Rye whiskey
Toronto Cocktail
Want a sophisticated rye whiskey cocktail to impress? Try the Toronto!A fancy spin on the Old Fashioned, the Toronto features whiskey and Fernet-Branca. It’s alcohol-forward, with a sophisticated, complex, and rich flavor. It balances the earthiness of the rye whiskey with the subtle bitterness of the Fernet-Branca.
Made with: Rye whiskey
Vieux Carre
Looking for a spirit-forward classic whiskey cocktail? Try the Vieux Carre! This unique classic cocktail comes from New Orleans and its name refers to the French Quarter (“Old Square” in French). It’s strong and alcohol forward, made with not one but two types of bitters. The complex flavor is ideal for whiskey lovers who love to relax with a slow sipper in hand.
Made with: Rye whiskey
Blood and Sand Cocktail
Let’s move onto Scotch whisky drinks! The Blood and Sand cocktail is one of the few classic Scotch cocktails, and features blood orange juice and cherry liqueur. It was named after the 1922 silent movie about a bullfighter called Blood and Sand. Instead of spicy and boozy like most Scotch cocktails, it’s the exact opposite: light and semi-sweet, with a balanced and cherry-forward flavor.
Made with: Scotch whisky
Godfather Cocktail
Here’s a whisky cocktail for Scotch lovers and drinkers who need a little extra convincing: try the Godfather! This Scotch and amaretto cocktail is deliciously simple. With just two ingredients, it balances the nutty sweetness of amaretto with the spicy finish of whisky. The hint of amaretto gives the Scotch a unique intrigue that makes it more palatable than drinking straight up.
Made with: Scotch whisky
Penicillin Cocktail
This modern classic cocktail highlights the peaty flavor of Scotch by combining it with lemon, honey and ginger into a spin on the Whiskey Sour. While it pleases even non-Scotch fans (me), you do need two types of Scoth, making it one for afficionados. While it sounds like a classic cocktail, this one was invented in the 2000’s in New York City.
Made with: Scotch whisky
Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail was born back in the 1937 at a British Industries Fair. Then it disappeared, only to reappear in the 1960’s as the “in” drink of the moment. This slow sipper got popular in the 1960’s, pairing whisky with Drambuie, a Scotch-based liqueur. All you need is two ingredients and you get lots of flavor: honey, herb and sweet notes from the Drambuie, and a spicy finish from the Scotch.
Made with: Scotch whisky
Rob Roy Cocktail
What if you’re a Scotch lover and a Manhattan lover? The Rob Roy is a Manhattan made with Scotch whisky instead of bourbon or rye. This booze-forward drink is the perfect way to enjoy a good Scotch! It’s a retro slow-sipper that’s been around since 1894.
Made with: Scotch whisky
Choosing the Right Whiskey for Cocktails
Here are a few tips for selecting whiskey for these drinks:
Bourbon is the most versatile type of whiskey, and works in most whiskey cocktails from sour to fruity to spirit-forward. I prefer bourbon for most of my whiskey drinks, like the Gold Rush, Bourbon Smash, or my classic Whiskey Sour. I recommend bottles in the $25-40 range, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Small Batch, or Woodford Reserve.
Rye whiskey brings spicy, peppery notes and works well in spirit-forward drinks. The Manhattan was designed for rye whiskey, and it shines in drinks like the Sazerac and Toronto. Rye stands up well to bold ingredients like Campari and Fernet-Branca.
Scotch whisky is not often used in cocktails, but its smoky character in drinks like the Blood and Sand or can be highlighted in the Penicillin.
Irish whiskey has a very smooth, approachable character, and should be used only for drinks like the Irish Mule and Irish Coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bourbon is a type of whiskey made in America from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. For more details, check out my guide on bourbon vs whiskey.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. In balanced cocktails like the Whiskey Sour or Whiskey Highball, you can use any whiskey style. But recipes designed for specific types—like a Manhattan (rye) or Penicillin (Scotch)—really benefit from using the called-for spirit. The flavor profiles are quite different.
Start with the Whiskey Highball, Irish Mule, or Whiskey Sour. These drinks balance the whiskey with other flavors, making them approachable if you’re still developing a taste for straight spirits. The Gold Rush is also excellent for beginners who enjoy honey flavors.
Unlike wine, whiskey doesn’t age in the bottle. Store it upright at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Once opened, bourbon and rye stay fresh for years. Keep vermouth and other cocktail ingredients refrigerated after opening.
The Whiskey Cocktail I Start With
When people ask me where to start with whiskey, I recommend my classic whiskey sour. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and you can add an egg white foam if you like (see my Bourbon Sour recipe).
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My favorite whiskey cocktail is the classic whiskey sour! This drink is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients for a balance of sweet, tart, and boozy. For an egg white foam, see my Bourbon Sour.
- Author: Sonja Overhiser
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey (I prefer bourbon)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 to 1 ounce simple syrup*
- Garnish: Orange peel and a cocktail cherry
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until very cold.
- Strain the drink into a lowball or Old Fashioned glass. Serve with ice, an orange peel and a cocktail cherry.
Notes
To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
* Adjust the sweetness level in a whiskey sour to fit your tastes. I also like substituting maple syrup for the simple syrup, which adds subtle caramel notes to the flavor profile.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/sYLVUdQ
