5th Oct 2022

Liquorama's Guide To Classic Whiskey Cocktails

  • Classic Cocktails
  • cocktails
  • whiskey
Liquorama's Guide To Classic Whiskey Cocktails

Welcome back!

We're here, again, for another Liquorama Cocktail Guide. Today, we have the whiskey edition!

From a Manhattan to a Hot Toddy and everything in between, get ready to make all the classic whiskey cocktails you can think of. Well, maybe not all! But definitely the ones that matter!

We have 11 classic whiskey cocktail recipes to go over but before we get into it, let's go over some whiskey options.

WHISKEY OPTIONS

Before we get started with our cocktail recipes, let's talk about some whiskey options for our whiskey cocktails. We all know that choosing any sort of spirit is difficult when there's so much to choose from.

Here is a quick introduction to a few American, Irish, and Canadian whiskies. These are just a few options for you to consider! Browse through the Liquorama website to see what else is out there!

AMERICAN WHISKEY

Let's start with some American whiskey options! As you already know, there are many American whiskey options to choose from.

Maker's Mark has quite a collection of whiskies that are smooth and full-flavored. But Maker's Mark isn't the only one with a collection. Like Maker's Mark, Knob Creek is also Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Knob Creek's Rye and Bourbon are two excellent choices when making cocktails!

Now, I could mention Jack Daniel's, but that's the obvious choice that we all know. So here are a few other American Whiskey options for you to check out. Balcones Distilling, Angel's Envy, and Westward Whiskey are just a few other options if you're looking for an American whiskey!

IRISH WHISKEY

Next up, we have Irish whiskey. While Jameson may be the first thing you think of, there's so much more where that came from.

Green Spot Irish Whiskey has a full, spicy body with hints of cloves and sweet green apples. Mitchell & Son has several other Irish spot whiskies to choose from as well.

Teeling also has a collection of Irish Whiskies, including single malt, single grain, small batch, single pot still, and peated single malt.

Here are a few other whiskey names to look out for. Redbreast, The Sexton, Writers' Tears, Tullamore Dew, and Proper Twelve. And that' just the beginning.

CANADIAN WHISKY

I couldn't possibly leave out Canadian whisky!

The automatic reaction to Canadian whisky usually results in Crown Royal. Obviously, right? It's the best-selling Canadian whisky. And while Crown Royal is excellent, there are many more options. We have the Canadian Club Chronicles Whisky, Tap Whisky, and Pendleton Whisky. And that's just the start.

Let's get introduced quickly.

The Canadian Club Chronicles have been in the game for a long time, with over 150 years of fine whisky craftsmanship. They even carry a 100% rye whisky. That's a lot harder to make than you may think. They put in the work.

Tap has a great selection. Tap whisky is excellent if you're looking for something rich and layered.

Pendleton offers smooth, rich, and complex whisky. They offer a collection of premium spirits.

To learn more about Canadian whisky, check out our blog post, All About Canadian Whisky.

WHISKEY COCKTAIL RECIPES

Now that we've been formally introduced to a few American, Irish, and Canadian whiskey options, let's get right into the whiskey cocktail recipes. Gather up all your basic cocktail necessities and try out some of these delicious whiskey cocktails.

Feeling under the weather? Try the Hot Toddy.

Feeling something sour? Try a Whiskey Sour or take things a step further and try a New York Sour.

Feeling classic? Try a Manhattan, Sazerac, or Old Fashioned.

Feeling something else? Then stay tuned for the other recipes sprinkled throughout.

Now, who's ready for some whiskey drinks?

WHISKEY SOUR

You may have first seen this recipe in our guide to classic cocktails. But you can't have a guide to classic whiskey cocktails and leave out the Whiskey Sour! So, if you're looking for something that's equally sour and sweet, you'll enjoy this Whiskey Sour recipe. For this one, you'll need:

  • 2 oz whiskey
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg white (optional)
  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 maraschino cherry

Instructions

If you don't want to add the egg white, just ignore it. Start by adding your whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a shaker.

Dry shake for 10 seconds or so. "Dry shake" means shake without ice.

Once you're done with your dry shake, add a good amount of ice to your shaker and shake again vigorously. Strain into a glass.

Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry. Serve and enjoy!

OLD FASHIONED

Next, we have an Old Fashioned cocktail. The traditional way to make an Old Fashioned cocktail is with bourbon; however, many people swap out the bourbon for a rye whiskey. Bourbon tends to be sweeter than rye whiskey, and rye whiskey tends to be more spicy and peppery. Here's what you'll need:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 orange twist

Instructions

In a rocks glass, add your sugar cube, bitters, and water. Muddle until a paste-like consistency forms. Then, add your ice and bourbon or rye whiskey. Stir for a few seconds until chilled.

Garnish with an orange twist! Serve and enjoy!

SAZERAC

First up, we have the Sazerac. Many claim the Sazerac is the first cocktail ever to exist. And I'm going to show you how to make it. For the first of its kind, you'll need:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 5 dashes of bitters
  • 1/4 oz absinthe
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 1 lemon peel

Instructions

In a mixing glass, add your rye whiskey, bitters, and a sugar cube. Muddle it down thoroughly. You don't want the sugar to dissolve completely. It should be grainy.

Once done muddling, add some ice to your glass and stir until your glass is frosty. When your glass is frosty, your cocktail is adequately chilled.

Pour 1/4 of an ounce of absinthe into your serving glass. You want to wash your glass with it. Tilt your glass sideways and rotate. Keep the remaining absinthe in the glass.

Strain your mixture into your serving glass. Make sure the sugar grains make it into your serving glass.

Finally, garnish your glass with a lemon peel. Serve and enjoy

MANHATTAN

Next up, we have a Manhattan. A Manhattan and Old Fashioned are so close they may as well be cousins. Here's what you'll need for a classic Manhattan cocktail:

  • 2 parts rye whiskey
  • 1 part sweet vermouth
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • A few luxardo cherries, or you can use maraschino cherries

Instructions

In a mixing glass, add your rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, and ice. Stir for 30 seconds until the mix is well chilled.

Strain into a chilled glass.

Garnish with cherries of your choosing. Serve and enjoy!

HOT TODDY

Whether you're feeling a little under the weather or simply feel like having something warm to sip throughout your evening slowly, you should make a soothing Hot Toddy. You'll need:

  • 1.5 oz whiskey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 lemon wheel
  • 5-6 oz hot water

INSTRUCTIONS

The whiskey you choose depends solely on your preference. Some people prefer rye or wheated whiskey. Others even like using bourbon. The choice is yours!

Start by adding your whiskey and honey to your serving mug. Stir until nicely combined. Then, add your hot water, cloves, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and lemon wheel. Stir again. Let it sit for a moment for the flavors to mingle.

Serve and enjoy!

The question remains, is a hot toddy good for a cold? Whiskey and bourbon are said to be effective decongestants. So if you need to clear up your sinuses or have a stuffy nose, whiskey is the key. And since a Hot Toddy needs a whiskey base, add some lemon and honey, which are also effective for colds. Then, what do you have? You have a triple threat.

Try it and see for yourself.

ROB ROY

Next, we have a Rob Roy cocktail. Similar to a Manhattan, the Rob Roy is basically a Scotch Manhattan. Here's what you'll need for a Rob Roy:

  • 2 parts scotch whiskey
  • 1 part sweet vermouth
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • A few luxardo cherries, or you can use maraschino cherries

INSTRUCTIONS

In a mixing glass, add your scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, and ice. Stir for 30 seconds until the mix is well chilled.

Strain into a chilled glass.

Garnish with cherries of your choosing. Serve and enjoy!

IRISH MULE

Let's take a Moscow Mule and make it Irish. Here's what you'll need for an Irish Mule.

  • 2 parts Irish whiskey
  • 1 part lime juice
  • Ginger beer
  • Fresh mint
  • Lime
  • Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Let's make things aesthetically pleasing with a copper mug. In a copper mug with ice, mix your Irish whiskey and lime juice.

Top with a ginger beer of your choosing. Garnish with fresh mint and a lime wedge. Serve and enjoy!

MINT JULEP

Yes, this is technically a cocktail with bourbon, but I should start by saying all bourbon is whiskey. So it belongs here!

Time for a Mint Julep, the signature Kentucky Derby drink. To make this famous cocktail, you'll need:

Instructions

In a serving glass, add your bourbon, simple syrup, and mint leaves. If you tend to like your cocktails sweeter, then add a dash more simple syrup. Muddle everything together. Then, top your glass with crushed ice.

Garnish with mint leaves. Serve and enjoy!

NEW YORK SOUR

If you want to spice up your whiskey sour, the New York Sour might be a fun, tasty option. For this one, you'll need:

  • 2 oz whiskey
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg white (optional)
  • 1/2 oz red wine
  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 maraschino cherry

Instructions

Start by adding your whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a shaker. Dry shake for 10 seconds or so.

Once you're done with your dry shake, add a good amount of ice to your shaker and shake again vigorously. Strain into a glass.

Over the back of a spoon, pour your red wine slowly to keep both separated and red wine on top.

Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry. Serve and enjoy!

IRISH COFFEE

If you're looking for a little pick-me-up, an Irish coffee will be exactly what you're looking for! So, for our coffee lovers, here's what you'll need for a classic Irish coffee:

  • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • Freshly brewed coffee
  • Whipped cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Start by brewing your coffee. Do this how you normally would. While you wait for your coffee to brew, take your serving mug and fill it with hot water. This is just to heat your glass. Let it sit for a minute or so.

Empty the hot water out of your serving glass. Then, add your whiskey and brown sugar. Stir until your brown sugar dissolves.

Top off with freshly brewed coffee. Garnish with whipped cream!

Serve and enjoy!

Whipped cream

For the whipped cream, you can use something store-bought, but there's something about homemade whipped cream that's just delicious. So here's a quick recipe for homemade whipped cream. For the whipped cream, you'll need:

  • 3 cups of cold heavy cream
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

No electric mixer: In a chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Whisk back and forth. This process will take longer without an electric mixer but be patient. You want to keep whisking until you see soft peaks form. If you lift your whisk out and you see a peak, that means your whipped cream is ready.

Electric mixer: Combine the cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Use your electric mixer but pay attention because you don't want to overwhip your whipped cream. Check often for soft peaks. When you see them, stop mixing.

An over-whipped cream looks clumpy and curd-like. You'll know if your whipped cream is over-whipped.

HIGHBALL

Time for a Highball. For everyone who likes to keep things pretty simple, this one is for you! For a Highball, you'll need:

  • 2 oz whiskey
  • 4 oz soda water
  • 1 lemon wedge

INSTRUCTIONS

In a highball glass with ice, add your whiskey. Top off with roughly 4 oz of soda water. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Serve and enjoy! It's just that simple!

ALL YOUR WHISKEY NEEDS

Liquorama has everything you need for your whiskey cocktails! We have scotch whisky, bourbon, Irish whiskey, Japanese whiskey, wheat whiskey, rye whiskey, and more. I could go on and on, but instead of listening to me, just head over to the website and see for yourself.

Are you looking for wine, beer, or other spirits? We've got you covered there, too! We have a wide selection, but that's not all. Get your favorites shipped right to your door with the convenience of Liquorama's shipping option!