Our guide on the most popular Whisky cocktails to try in the world.
Whisky (or whiskey) is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for many classic and modern cocktails. Whether you prefer the smoky, peaty flavors of Scotch, the smoothness of bourbon, or the robust character of rye, there’s a whisky cocktail to suit every palate.
Whisky cocktails offer a range of flavors, from the sweet and citrusy Whisky Sour to the bitter and complex Boulevardier. Whether you’re a fan of bourbon, rye, or Scotch, there’s a cocktail for every whisky lover. Try these classic recipes to explore the versatility of whisky and find your favorite way to enjoy this timeless spirit.
Here’s a guide to some of the most popular whisky cocktails and how to make them.
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Most Popular Whisky Cocktails To Try
1. Old Fashioned
A timeless classic, the Old Fashioned is a simple, elegant cocktail that lets the whisky shine.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon or rye whisky
1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 teaspoon water
Orange peel (for garnish)
Ice
Instructions:
In a glass, muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and water until dissolved. Add ice cubes and pour the whisky over.
Stir gently for about 30 seconds. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.
Read here how to make Old Fashioned
2. Whisky Sour
A refreshing balance of sweet and sour, the Whisky Sour is a favorite for its tangy and smooth flavors.
Ingredients:
2 oz whisky (bourbon or rye)
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Ice
Optional: 1 egg white (for a frothier texture)
Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine the whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup. If using, add the egg white. Dry shake (without ice) if using egg white to create a foam, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice or serve straight up in a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
3. Manhattan
A sophisticated, boozy cocktail, the Manhattan highlights the bold flavors of rye or bourbon, paired with sweet vermouth.
Ingredients:
2 oz rye whisky or bourbon
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice
Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add whisky, vermouth, and bitters. Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.
4. Mint Julep
Best known as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep is a refreshing whisky cocktail, perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1/4 oz simple syrup
8-10 fresh mint leaves
Crushed ice
Mint sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a julep cup or rocks glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup. Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour the bourbon over the top. Stir gently to combine. Add more crushed ice to fill the cup and garnish with a mint sprig.
5. Boulevardier
A whisky-based twist on the Negroni, the Boulevardier is a rich, slightly bitter cocktail that balances bourbon with the herbal notes of vermouth and Campari.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz bourbon or rye whisky
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz Campari
Ice
Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the whisky, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir well for about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Express an orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.
6. Rob Roy
Similar to the Manhattan but made with Scotch whisky, the Rob Roy has a smokier, richer flavor.
Ingredients:
2 oz Scotch whisky
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice
Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the Scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
7. Penicillin
A modern classic, the Penicillin combines Scotch whisky with ginger, honey, and lemon for a balanced cocktail that’s sweet, tart, and slightly smoky.
Ingredients:
2 oz blended Scotch whisky
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz honey-ginger syrup (mix equal parts honey and water, with grated ginger steeped in it)
1/4 oz Islay Scotch whisky (optional, for a smoky float)
Ice
Lemon slice or candied ginger (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a shaker filled with ice, combine the blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. If using, float a small amount of Islay Scotch over the top. Garnish with a lemon slice or candied ginger.
8. Rusty Nail
A simple two-ingredient cocktail that pairs Scotch whisky with Drambuie, a honey and herb liqueur, the Rusty Nail is smooth and flavorful.
Ingredients:
2 oz Scotch whisky
1 oz Drambuie
Ice
Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a rocks glass filled with ice, combine the Scotch and Drambuie. Stir gently until well-chilled. Garnish with a lemon twist.
9. Irish Coffee
A warm, comforting drink, Irish Coffee is the perfect blend of whisky and coffee, with a touch of sweetness and cream on top.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Irish whisky
1 teaspoon brown sugar
4 oz hot brewed coffee
Freshly whipped cream
Instructions:
Add the brown sugar to a heatproof glass or mug, then pour in the hot coffee and stir to dissolve. Stir in the Irish whisky. Top with a layer of freshly whipped cream. Serve hot and enjoy.
10. Sazerac
A New Orleans classic, the Sazerac is a strong, complex cocktail made with rye whisky, absinthe, and bitters.
Ingredients:
2 oz rye whisky
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)
Absinthe (to rinse the glass)
Lemon peel (for garnish)
Ice
Instructions:
Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe, swirling to coat the glass, then discard the excess. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and a splash of water. Add the rye whisky and ice, and stir for 20-30 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass (no ice). Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.