Written by: Ryan Carter
Updated on: 6/3/2025

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What Other Cocktails Can I Make With Whiskey?

Whiskey isn’t just for sipping neat or mixing into a simple highball. With its wide range of flavors—from smoky and spicy to sweet and mellow—it adapts beautifully into a variety of cocktails. Whether your bottle features rye, bourbon, Irish, or Scotch, there’s a whiskey cocktail that brings out its best notes. Here’s a look at essential whiskey drinks to expand your repertoire, plus what makes each one distinct.

Classic Whiskey Cocktails to Try

• Manhattan: Parallel parts boldness and elegance, this staple features 60 ml rye whiskey, 30 ml sweet vermouth, and 2 ml Angostura bitters, stirred and strained into a chilled coupe. The result is rich, herbaceous, with caramel and spice from the vermouth. A cherry garnish is classic.
• Whiskey Sour: Tart, refreshing, and approachable, this cocktail combines 60 ml whiskey (bourbon is most common), 22.5 ml fresh lemon juice, and 15 ml simple syrup. Add 15 ml egg white for a velvety texture and froth, or skip it for a classic sharp edge.
• Old Fashioned: Minimal but full of depth, the Old Fashioned blends 60 ml whiskey with 1 sugar cube (5 ml simple syrup), 2 ml Angostura bitters, and an orange twist to unlock the spirit’s natural complexity.
• Mint Julep: Famous for its Kentucky Derby connection, this drink muddles 10 fresh mint leaves with 15 ml simple syrup, then adds 60 ml bourbon and crushed ice, packed into a chilled glass. Crisp and cooling, it transforms bourbon into a garden-fresh sipper.
• Irish Coffee: This warming classic brings together 60 ml Irish whiskey, 120 ml hot brewed coffee, and 15 ml demerara sugar syrup, topped with a float of lightly whipped cream. Silky and robust, it’s an after-dinner favorite.

Modern Takes and Variations

• Boulevardier: For a whiskey-forward Negroni twist, mix 45 ml bourbon or rye, 30 ml Campari, and 30 ml sweet vermouth. Bitter, sweet, and aromatic in equal measure.
• Penicillin: This modern classic mixes 60 ml blended Scotch, 22.5 ml fresh lemon juice, 15 ml honey-ginger syrup, shaken and strained over ice, with a 7.5 ml float of smoky Islay Scotch. Balanced between smoke, spice, and citrus.
• Gold Rush: 60 ml bourbon, 22.5 ml lemon juice, and 22.5 ml honey syrup (1:1 honey:water), shaken for a smooth, spirit-forward take on the Whiskey Sour.

Choosing the Right Whiskey for Cocktails

• Bourbon: Smooth, sweet, rich in vanilla and caramel; perfect for Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Mint Julep, and Gold Rush.
• Rye Whiskey: Spicier, more robust; shines in Manhattans and Boulevardiers.
• Irish Whiskey: Light and gentle; works well for Irish Coffee or simple highballs.
• Scotch: Smokier or peated expressions add depth to a Penicillin or Rob Roy.

Pro Tips for Making Whiskey Cocktails at Home

• Balance is everything: Fresh juice and quality syrups keep your drink lively, and don’t shy away from bitters.
• Use plenty of crystal-clear ice; it chills properly and dilutes gently, especially important for spirit-heavy drinks.
• Don’t let the garnish be an afterthought—zest, herbs, and cherries can add aroma and elegance.

From silky Old Fashioneds to vibrant modern sours, whiskey’s versatility means you’re never far from discovering a new favorite. Try a few recipes, experiment with whisky styles, and notice how even small adjustments completely shift a cocktail’s mood and flavor.