26 Timeless Whiskey Cocktails to Enjoy
Classic whiskey cocktails stand as pillars of the cocktail world, offering a robust range of flavors from smoky and smooth to bold and spicy.
Each recipe is a nod to the rich history and craft of whiskey-making, featuring drinks that have stood the test of time.
From an elegant Manhattan to a comforting Old Fashioned, whiskey lovers will appreciate the tradition and craftsmanship evident in each glass.
Rob Roy Cocktail
A great choice for a cocktail featuring quality Scotch is the Rob Roy.
This drink originated in 1894, inspired by an operetta about the famous Scottish figure, Rob Roy MacGregor.
Essential ingredients include blended Scotch whisky, sweet red vermouth, and Angostura or orange bitters.
For a finishing touch, add either a Luxardo cherry or Maraschino cherry as garnish.
Using top-notch Scotch like Dewar’s or Chivas Regal elevates this classic cocktail to new heights of flavor.
Brooklyn Cocktail
The Brooklyn cocktail, first published in 1908, offers a refined twist on the classic Manhattan.
Created by bartender Jack Grohusko at a restaurant in lower Manhattan, this drink features rye whiskey and Maraschino liqueur for an intriguing flavor.
Bitters enhance its complexity, adding depth to each sip.
Originally made with sweet vermouth, the recipe has evolved to include dry vermouth and Amer Picon or another citrusy amaro.
New York Sour
The New York Sour stands out among cocktails with “sour” in the title.
Known as the Maple Syrup New York Sour due to its sweet maple addition, this drink features a layer of red wine floating above.
Originating in the 1880s from a Chicago bartender, it gained fame in New York City, which inspired its name.
Pouring red wine requires care; gently use a spoon to ensure it rests on top without mixing too much.
Boulevardier Cocktail
Classic cocktails from the 1920s often evoke a sense of nostalgia, and the Boulevardier is no exception.
This drink features bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
An American writer named Erskine Gwynne inspired its name; he founded a magazine in Paris called the Boulevardier.
Originating at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, this cocktail offers a twist on the Negroni by using whiskey instead of gin.
Best Whiskey Sour
Originating in the 1870s, the whiskey sour has a rich history.
A traditional version includes egg white, resulting in a frothy foam topping known as a Boston Sour.
For those who prefer simplicity, this recipe skips the egg whites and focuses on quality whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Adding a maraschino cherry and an orange slice enhances its presentation beautifully.
Using bourbon instead of regular whiskey creates what is called a Bourbon Sour for an exciting twist on this classic drink.
Bourbon Sidecar
Named after an American Army captain who rode in a motorcycle sidecar, the bourbon Sidecar cocktail has roots dating back to the 1920s.
This drink shares similarities with the classic Sidecar but features bourbon for a richer flavor.
Cointreau or Triple Sec can be used to enhance its sweetness.
Enjoyment comes from shaking all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and straining them into a glass filled with clear ice.
John Collins
Starting with a refreshing twist on whiskey, the John Collins offers a gentle introduction for those new to this spirit.
This cocktail resembles a tall whiskey sour but includes club soda and ice, giving it a lighter feel.
Lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda create its base; sweet and sour mix can also work well.
Any bourbon or whiskey can shine in this drink; just choose your favorite variety for mixing.
La Louisiane
La Louisiane serves as a fantastic choice for those who enjoy strong cocktails.
This drink, developed in the 1800s, shares similarities with the Sazerac but offers a richer flavor profile.
The inclusion of Benedictine adds an herbal twist that enhances its complexity.
Sweet vermouth contributes a hint of sweetness to balance the boldness of rye whiskey and Peychaud’s bitters.
Classic Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned stands as a classic whiskey cocktail, known worldwide for its rich flavors.
Dating back to the early 19th century, this drink has inspired many variations over time.
A sugar cube or a teaspoon of sugar plays an essential role in enhancing its unique taste.
Both rye whiskey and bourbon serve well in this recipe, allowing for personal preference in flavor profile.
Light sweetness combined with Angostura bitters creates a experience that continues to be cherished by many.
Classic Mint Julep
The mint julep holds the title of the official cocktail for the Kentucky Derby, a beloved drink in Kentucky.
During Derby weekend, over 120,000 of these refreshing cocktails are served.
Ingredients include fresh mint leaves, bourbon whiskey, ice, and either powdered sugar or simple syrup.
This drink is known for its dry taste that highlights the rich flavor of bourbon.
Interestingly enough, as far back as 1784, doctors recommended mint juleps to soothe stomach aches.
Godfather Cocktail
The Godfather cocktail offers a smooth introduction to Scotch without overwhelming flavors.
Combining amaretto liqueur with Scotch creates a balance that appeals to many palates.
Originating in the 1970s, this drink likely took its name from the iconic film where Marlon Brando's character frequently enjoyed Scotch.
Trying this cocktail can provide an enjoyable experience for those new to whiskey drinks.
Penicillin Cocktail
The Penicillin cocktail offers a refreshing twist on traditional flavors.
Originating from the Milk & Honey bar in New York City, this drink was crafted by bartender Sam Ross.
Combining two types of Scotch, single malt and blended, with honey, ginger, and lemon creates a blend reminiscent of herbal remedies.
The name reflects its ingredients that are often found in natural health solutions: honey, fresh lemon juice, and ginger.
Classic Irish Coffee
Classic Irish coffee features strong coffee, brown sugar, and a splash of Irish whiskey like Jameson’s.
Whipped cream finishes the drink perfectly.
The origins trace back to 1943 when chef Joe Sheridan served passengers on a Pan Am flight that had to return due to bad weather in County Limerick.
Tasked with preparing food and drinks, he added whiskey to the coffee for warmth.
When asked if it was Brazilian coffee, Joe proudly declared it was Irish coffee instead.
Recently, many have linked Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur with this beloved beverage despite its traditional roots in whiskey.
Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane cocktail stands out as a modern classic in the world of whiskey drinks.
Created by bartender Sam Ross in 2007 at Milk & Honey bar in New York City, this drink draws inspiration from M.I.A.'s catchy song.
Ingredients include bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Italian amaro, fresh lemon juice, and a twist of lemon peel for garnish.
Irish Mule
The Irish Mule offers a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, making it an exciting choice for whiskey lovers.
This drink features a refreshing blend of ginger beer or ginger ale, liquor, and citrus juice.
For those new to whiskey, the Irish Mule provides an approachable introduction with its bubbly taste and spicy finish.
Any variety of Irish whiskey works well in this cocktail; there's no need to splurge on high-end brands.
Using quality ginger beer like Q Ginger Beer enhances the experience even further.
Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail holds a special place among classic whiskey cocktails.
This drink combines Drambuie and Scotch, resulting in a rich and flavorful experience.
Originating from the British Industries Fair in 1937, it was initially called the BIF.
The intriguing name remains a mystery; some believe it relates to rusty nails found on Drambuie crates.
By the 1960s, this cocktail gained popularity for its sweet honey taste mixed with herbal hints from Drambuie.
Sazerac Cocktail
The Sazerac stands as the official cocktail of New Orleans, often enjoyed in the lively atmosphere of the French Quarter.
A blend of rye whiskey and sugar forms its base, while absinthe adds a distinct twist with its black licorice flavor.
Antoine Peychaud, an apothecary from New Orleans, is believed to have created this legendary drink.
Essential ingredients include quality cognac, a sugar cube, Peychaud’s bitters alongside rye whiskey and absinthe.
Whiskey Highball
A whiskey highball is more than just a fancy name for a whisky soda.
This drink has roots in Manhattan, dating back to the late 19th century, with its first mention appearing in a New York Times article from 1904.
The original purpose was to help people enjoy lower-quality spirits by mixing them with soda.
Highballs use good-quality whiskey along with club soda, ginger beer, or ginger ale and often include a lime wedge for added flavor.
Despite its simple ingredients and similar glassware to whisky sodas, the highball offers an experience that sets it apart from ordinary cocktails.
Gold Rush Cocktail
A modern classic, the Gold Rush cocktail combines bourbon with honey syrup and lemon for a refreshing taste.
T.J. Siegal crafted this drink at the famous Milk & Honey bar in New York City, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.
The honey syrup provides a distinct flavor while lemon adds an exciting twist that brightens each sip.
Whiskey Smash
A whiskey smash stands out as a refreshing and tangy drink.
The mix of citrus flavors and fresh mint leaves creates a punchy taste that many enjoy.
This cocktail has roots dating back to 1887, when it first appeared in a bartender's guide.
Thinking about Victorian-era gatherings brings to mind the joy this classic cocktail brought to those celebrations.
Muddling mint leaves at the bottom of your shaker releases their flavor, making each sip even more enjoyable.
Old Pal Cocktail
Crafted in the 1920s by renowned bartender Harry MacElhone at Harry’s Bar in Paris, the Old Pal cocktail showcases a mix of flavors.
This drink features rye whiskey as its base, though bourbon can also be used for a different twist.
Campari adds a rich red hue and an Italian bitter note that enhances the overall taste.
Fans of cocktails like Manhattans or Negronis often appreciate this classic choice.
Manhattan Cocktail
A Manhattan cocktail stands as a true vintage classic.
Originating in the 1870s at The Manhattan Club in New York City, this drink has a rich history.
Rye whiskey forms the base of this cocktail, though bourbon can be used for a sweeter taste.
Sweet vermouth adds depth to the flavor; popular choices include Carpano Antica and Dolin.
Two dashes of Angostura bitters complete it, while a Luxardo cherry serves as an elegant garnish.
Milk Punch
Dating back to 1688 in Scotland, Milk Punch holds the title of the oldest whiskey cocktail.
A cookbook from 1711 first noted this drink, highlighting its long-standing presence in mixology.
Benjamin Franklin also documented a version of Milk Punch in 1763, adding to its rich history.
Ingredients for this classic cocktail include whole milk, bourbon whiskey, brandy, simple syrup, vanilla extract, and garnishes like a cinnamon stick or grated nutmeg.
Blood And Sand Cocktail
Blood and Sand, a classic cocktail, highlights the bold flavors of Scotch whiskey combined with cherry liqueur and fresh orange juice.
Named after a silent film featuring a bullfighter, this drink gets its name from the blood orange juice that adds depth to its taste.
The recipe first appeared in the 1930 Savory Cocktail book, making it part of cocktail history.
Key ingredients include sweet vermouth and cherry brandy like Cherry Heering; avoid Maraschino liqueur for an authentic flavor profile.
Brown Derby Cocktail
Originating in the 1930s, the Brown Derby cocktail hails from a Hollywood restaurant chain shaped like a derby hat.
This drink stands out with its use of honey syrup, which adds a distinctive flavor that elevates it above typical cocktails.
Fresh grapefruit juice provides a refreshing citrus taste, and adding lemon juice enhances its brightness.
Traditionally served strained into a martini glass, this cocktail can also be enjoyed over ice for those who prefer it chilled.
Toronto Cocktail
The Toronto cocktail stands out with its distinct flavor profile.
Combining the rich warmth of rye whiskey and the herbal notes of Fernet-Branca, this drink offers a unique experience.
Ingredients include Fernet-Branca, rye whiskey, simple syrup or maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
An orange peel garnish adds a refreshing finish to each glass.
With a high alcohol content ranging from 40-45%, Fernet-Branca also serves well in other cocktails like the Fernet Sour or Hanky Panky, but enjoying it straight has gained popularity among bartenders in San Francisco.