The Ultimate Guide to Whiskey Cocktails: Types, Recipes & Pairings

Whether you know them as whiskey cocktails or whisky cocktails, these are some of the serious, grown-up drinks of the cocktail world. Let’s face it, whiskey is pretty far from some of the colourful and funky drinks that are available. The key to making the best whiskey cocktails is to understand the different whiskeys so let’s dive in.

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Understanding Whiskey Basics

Malt, Grain or Blend?

The first thing to understand is the difference between malt, grain or blend whiskeys. Malt whiskey comes mostly from Scotland and has to be made from malted barley as well as be distilled in pot stills.

The malting process is an elaborate one that takes time and a lot of work although there are some modern adaptations being used. It is then matured in oak casks for at least three years, although more single malt whiskeys without a specific age are now available.

Grain whiskey is made in Scotland and Ireland and uses any other type of grain apart from malt, sometimes a mixture.  Wheat is a common one to use along with corn and the drinks are distilled in column stills.  It is also matured for a shorter time.

Finally, blended whiskeys are a mixture of different types and are origin specific.  Each distillery can produce a unique blend, but they also make sure each bottle tastes the same.  Most use more grain whiskey than malt and they are most common from Scotland and Ireland.

Understanding whiskey – the types

The other big way to define whiskey is where it comes from.  Lots of places can make whiskey but there are a few that are well known for it.

Scotch

Scotch comes from Scotland and can come in different flavours and varieties from the different parts of the country.  It is a refined drink that is enjoyed but not drank in quantities.  To qualify as Scotch, it must be made from malted barley and be aged no less than three years as well as being made in Scotland.  The main Scotch areas are:

• Lowland – three distilleries in Glenkinchie, Bladnoch, and Auchentoshan and produce light and mild-bodied scotch
• Highland – a larger range of distilleries across the area but generally light, fruity and spicy in flavour
• Islay – eight distillers famous for a smoky, peaty taste and also a bit of brine due to the sea
• Speyside – home to around half of Scotland’s distilleries, whiskeys often have a rich taste and sweeter tones
• Campbelltown – similar to Islay with sea influences, there are three distilleries in this area: Glengyle, Glen Scotia, and Springbank.

Irish

Irish whiskey has almost as ancient a pedigree as Scotch but is generally tripe distilled in a copper pot versus double distillation in Scottish drinks.  They are divided into:

• Single malt – completely made with malted barley in a single distillery
• Grain – lighter style made with corn or grain in a column still
• Single grain – column still with one or a mix of grains such as rye, wheat or corn
• Blended – most Irish whiskeys fall into this category
• Single pot still – a unique Irish creation, this is a blend of malted and unmalted barley

American

American whiskey differs from European ones because they are aged in charred oak barrels and are under 80% ABV.  There are six main categories of American whiskey and all are generally sweeter and less smoky than Scotch or Irish whiskey.  The categories are:

• Bourbon – made of 51% corn mash, it was produced originally in Kentucky but is now found in other locations including New York, Indiana and California
• Tennessee – similar to bourbon, Tennessee whiskey goes through a charcoal filtering to mellow the flavour while fermenting and ageing
• Rye – made at least in part with rye mash and distilled to no more than 80% ABV
• Wheat – made with at least 51% wheat mash
• American single mat – the fastest growing sector, these whiskeys are smoky, aromatic and sometimes honeyed compared with other American whiskeys

Japanese

Japanese whiskey is similar to Scotch, especially from the Lowland and Speyside areas and often has honey added to make it sweeter.  Japan is also where new types of whiskey are being developed, combining modern technology with craft production.

Whiskey Tasting Notes: A Simple Glossary

Before diving into cocktails, let’s understand some common tasting terms that will help you appreciate whiskey better:

• Peaty: A smoky, earthy flavor reminiscent of burning peat – common in Islay Scotch
• Oaky: Woody notes from barrel aging – vanilla, caramel, and sometimes spice
• Sherried: Rich, fruity flavors from sherry cask aging – think dried fruits and nuts
• Floral: Light, fragrant notes like heather, wildflowers or blossom
• Malty: Cereal-like sweetness from the barley – often bready or biscuity
• Spicy: Cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, or ginger notes
• Fruity: Apple, pear, citrus, or dried fruit flavors

These flavor profiles help explain why certain whiskeys work better in specific cocktails – a heavily peated Scotch might overwhelm a delicate drink, while a honeyed bourbon might be perfect for it.

Beginners whiskey cocktails

When you understand whiskey a little better, then it makes more sense when you start to read about whiskey cocktails.  That’s because many will stipulate a specific type of whiskey to get the best results.  Some of them are also the oldest cocktail recipes around while others definitely rank as easiest to make styles of cocktail, ideal for beginners.

Old fashioned

The Old Fashioned has led to loads of different variations but it is worth starting with because you can use any whiskey and get to know the different tastes.  All you need is 4.5cl of whiskey, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, 1 sugar cube and a little water.  Place the sugar cube in an old fashioned glass and add the bitters and water.  Muddle until dissolved then add ice and the whiskey.  Garnish with an orange twist and cocktail cherry.

Whiskey sour

Another classic, the whiskey sour is a mixture of whiskey, lemon or lime juice and simple syrup – also known as sugar syrup.  It also works with a wide range of whiskeys and lets you try the flavours to see what you like best.

John Collins

The John Collins is the whiskey version of the Tom Collins but uses bourbon whiskey rather than gin.  Take 2 ounces bourbon, 1-ounce lemon juice, 1 tsp simple syrup and add to a cocktail shaker.  Add 1 cup of ice and shake again then strain into a Collins glass.  Add another cup of ice, fill with club soda and stir.  Garnish with an orange and lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic summer whiskey cocktail that is simple to make.  Add 65ml bourbon, 10 mint leaves and 12.5ml sugar syrup to a shaker.  Shake then strain until either a highball glass or a julep tin with ice.  Stir with a long-handled spoon and add more ice.  Garnish with a mint sprig and a straw.

Hot toddy

Technically, the hot toddy is a cocktail but you might hear it more as a cold remedy than anything!  This drink is served warm which isn’t one of my favourite ideas, but it is worth trying. 

Take 50ml whiskey and 3 tsp honey in two heatproof glasses.  Whisk together and add half a cinnamon stick to each.  Top with 200ml boiling water then adds a splash of lemon juice to each.  Finish with a lemon slice, stuffed with a clove.

Seasonal Whiskey Cocktails

One of the joys of whiskey is how versatile it is throughout the year. Here are some cocktails that shine in each season:

Summer Whiskey Cocktails

Whiskey Smash

The perfect summer refresher. Muddle 2 lemon wedges with 2 teaspoons sugar and 8 mint leaves, add 60ml bourbon and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

Lynchburg Lemonade

A Tennessee classic. Combine 50ml Jack Daniel’s, 25ml triple sec, 25ml fresh lemon juice in a glass with ice. Top with lemonade and stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.

Autumn Whiskey Cocktails

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

A fall twist on the classic. Muddle 1 sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water. Add 60ml bourbon, 30ml apple cider, and ice. Stir well and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Maple Manhattan

Perfect for cooler evenings. Stir 60ml rye whiskey, 30ml sweet vermouth, and 10ml maple syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with brandied cherries.

Winter Whiskey Cocktails

Hot Buttered Whiskey

Warming and rich. Mix 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon brown sugar, dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Add 60ml bourbon and top with hot water. Stir until butter melts.

Rusty Nail

Simple and potent for cold nights. Pour 45ml Scotch and 25ml Drambuie over ice in a rocks glass. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon twist.

Spring Whiskey Cocktails

Whiskey Fizz

Light and effervescent. Shake 60ml bourbon, 30ml lemon juice, and 15ml sugar syrup with ice. Strain into a highball glass with ice and top with soda water.

Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade

Fresh and seasonal. Muddle 5 blackberries with 15ml sugar syrup. Add 50ml bourbon and 30ml lemon juice, shake with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass and top with a splash of soda.

Irish whiskey

Irish whiskey cocktails most often use Jamieson’s whiskey but there are other options to try.

Irish coffee

A classic Irish coffee is very simple.  Take an Irish coffee glass and add it two-thirds of the way with freshly brewed coffee.  Add 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey and 1 ounce of brown sugar then top with whipped cream.

Irish Mule

The Irish Mule cocktail is a variation of the classic Moscow Mule and even uses the same copper cup.  Fill the cup with ice and add 2 ounces of Irish whiskey, 6 ounces of ginger beer and half a lime’s juice.  Stir to mix then garnish with a lime slice and mint sprig.

American whiskey

Because there are lots of different American whiskeys, there are lots of different cocktails.  But here are a couple of favourites.

Jack and Coke

This drink is so simple that it doesn’t really seem like a cocktail, but it is a great way to enjoy Jack Daniels whiskey (although I prefer a little lemonade myself).  Also known as s JD and Coke, you need 1 part Jack Daniels to 3-5 parts Coca-Cola and ice.

The Revolver

The Revolver takes 2 ounces of bourbon, ½ ounce coffee liqueur and 2 dashes of orange bitters and adds them to a mixing glass.  Add ice and stir then strain into a cocktail glass.  You can garnish with orange peel or if you are daring, flame the orange over the drink to get the oil and discard the peel.

Rye whiskey cocktails

Some cocktails are very specific about the whiskey that you should use for it – some will even suggest a particular brand!  Here are a couple of ideas if you find you have rye whiskey in your alcohol collection.

New Orleans Sazerac

To make a New Orleans Sazerac, take a sugar cube and muddle in a glass with water.  Add some ice then 1.5 ounces of rye whiskey and 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters.  In a second glass, add Pernod or absinthe and coat the glass with it.  Strain the rye whiskey mixture into the glass and garnish with lemon peel.

Manhattan

The Manhattan has some serious pedigree, dating back to the 1880s and in more modern times, it is made with bourbon but the classic recipe is for rye whiskey.  Take 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1-ounce sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters.  Add to a mixing glass with ice and stir then strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a brandied cherry.

Japanese whiskey

Because Japanese whiskey is one of the newer arrivals on the scene, there aren’t as many dedicated cocktails as for other types – although many of these drinks could be tried with it.  But I did find a couple to sample.

Yamazaki Autumn Delight

The Yamazaki Autumn Delight is a whiskey and cider cocktail that recommends a specific Japanese whiskey, 12 year old single malt called Yamazaki.  Take 2 ounces of it and add 6 ounces of apple cider to a shaker with ice.  Strain, add more ice and dust with ground cinnamon.  Garnish with two apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Whiskey and Bubbles

Whiskey and Bubble is a mixture of whiskey with sparkling wine.  In a champagne flute, add one ounce of Japanese whiskey (it mentioned Nikka Coffey Malt in the original recipe) and one-quarter ounce of honey syrup.  Then add one dash of Peychaud’s bitters and one of Angostura bitters.  Stir then add three ounces of sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.

Herbal Infusions for Whiskey Cocktails

Want to take your whiskey drinks to the next level? Try these simple herbal infusions that pair beautifully with different whiskey styles:

Rosemary Bourbon

Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary to a bottle of bourbon and let it infuse for 24 hours. Works brilliantly in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Cinnamon Rye

Add 2 cinnamon sticks to a bottle of rye whiskey and infuse for 2-3 days. Makes a fantastic spiced Manhattan or Sazerac.

Vanilla Bean Irish Whiskey

Split a vanilla bean lengthwise and add to Irish whiskey for 3-4 days. Excellent in Irish coffee or sipped neat.

Thyme-Infused Scotch

Add 5-6 fresh thyme sprigs to blended Scotch for 24 hours. Creates a herbaceous base for a Rob Roy.

When making these infusions, taste daily until you reach your desired flavor intensity. The longer they infuse, the stronger the flavor will be.

Food Pairings for Whiskey Cocktails

The right food can elevate your whiskey cocktail experience. Here are some pairings that work wonderfully together:

Bourbon Cocktails + Smoky Appetizers

• Old Fashioned pairs beautifully with smoked almonds or bacon-wrapped dates
• Whiskey Sour complements BBQ chicken skewers or pulled pork sliders
• Mint Julep works surprisingly well with smoked gouda or grilled peaches

Scotch Cocktails + Rich, Savory Dishes

• Rob Roy pairs perfectly with aged cheese plates or smoked salmon
• Penicillin cocktail matches beautifully with dark chocolate or blue cheese
• Rusty Nail complements roasted nuts or charcuterie boards

Irish Whiskey Cocktails + Comfort Foods

• Irish Coffee is delightful with shortbread cookies or apple crumble
• Irish Mule pairs wonderfully with shepherd’s pie or fresh oysters
• Tipperary (Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, Chartreuse) works well with beef stew

Rye Cocktails + Spiced Dishes

• Manhattan is excellent with steak or spiced nuts
• Sazerac pairs beautifully with cajun shrimp or dark chocolate
• Ward Eight (rye, lemon, orange, grenadine) complements spicy chicken wings

For a simple whiskey tasting party, provide a selection of whiskey cocktails alongside a board featuring aged cheeses, dark chocolate, smoked meats, and dried fruits. The combination of flavors will enhance both the food and drinks.

The Best Whiskey Cocktails

The best whiskey cocktails have one thing in common – they highlight the flavour of the whiskey perfectly. And they are often pretty simple to make. Not a blender in sight for these drinks!

What makes a great whiskey cocktail is balance – letting the character of the spirit shine while complementing it with carefully chosen ingredients. Whether you’re sipping a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned on a winter evening or enjoying a refreshing Whiskey Smash on a summer afternoon, the world of whiskey cocktails offers something for every palate and occasion.

Remember, the best way to discover your favorite whiskey cocktail is through experimentation. Try different whiskey types, adjust sweetness levels, and play with garnishes until you find your perfect match. Happy mixing!

Essential Tools for Whiskey Cocktails

To make these cocktails properly, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• Mixing glass – For stirred drinks like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds
• Cocktail shaker – For shaken drinks like Whiskey Sours
• Jigger or measuring tool – For accurate proportions
• Bar spoon – For stirring and layering
• Muddler – For crushing herbs, fruit and sugar
• Strainer – For keeping ice and solid ingredients out of the glass
• Proper glassware – Rocks glasses, coupes, and highballs cover most needs

With these tools and the knowledge you’ve gained about whiskey types and cocktail recipes, you’ll be well-equipped to create impressive drinks at home. The world of whiskey is vast and varied, but that’s what makes it so fascinating to explore. Cheers to your whiskey journey!