What Is the Best Way to Enjoy Whiskey?

The best way to enjoy whiskey is ultimately shaped by your own palate and mood. Understanding the main methods of whiskey drinking will empower you to choose what suits each occasion. From savoring whiskey’s pure profile to exploring how it blends with other flavors, there’s a world to discover in every glass.

Neat: Pure Whiskey Experience

Drinking whiskey neat—meaning served alone, typically at room temperature—lets you appreciate the undiluted character of the spirit. This approach emphasizes aroma, mouthfeel, and complex taste, revealing subtle nuances from malt, wood, and time spent aging.

Use a tulip glass or Glencairn to focus the aromas.
Sip slowly and let the whiskey coat your palate.
Find the ideal serving temperature for your chosen style—cooler for lighter whiskeys, room temperature for robust bottles.

On the Rocks: Easy and Refreshing

Enjoying whiskey on the rocks—poured over ice—cools and slightly dilutes the spirit, coaxing out different flavors and mellowing strong edges. This is an excellent way to enjoy high-proof whiskey or simply make a dram more refreshing on a warm day.

Choose large ice cubes or spheres to slow dilution.
Pause briefly after pouring to allow flavors to open up.
Resist overfilling with ice to prevent rapid watering down.

In Cocktails: Flavorful Exploration

Whiskey’s depth makes it a versatile spirit in classic cocktails. Whether you prefer the sweetness of a Whiskey Sour or the complexity of an Old Fashioned, these drinks reveal new layers of flavor through balance and creativity.

Try a 60 ml Old Fashioned (whiskey, sugar, bitters, twist of citrus) for tradition and simplicity.
Explore 60 ml whiskey in a Manhattan with 30 ml sweet vermouth and 2 ml bitters for a richer style.
Experiment with other ingredients like ginger, honey, or herbal liqueurs to personalize your cocktail.

classic whiskey cocktail in a coupe glass

Tips for Finding Your Best Whiskey Experience

Taste different whiskeys (rye, bourbon, single malt, blended) to learn which flavor profiles you enjoy most.
Don’t be afraid to add a few drops of water to open up the spirit’s aroma when drinking neat.
Use high-quality, fresh mixers in cocktails to highlight whiskey’s natural character.
There’s no correct or wrong way—best means what brings out the most enjoyment for you.