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Although we are entering the months when people often ask “Does whiskey help a cold?”, now it’s also a good time to talk about whiskey cocktails. Many classic cocktails use whiskey as a base, but there are also plenty of unique drinks you can create for special times of the year or to fit better in your beverage menu.
With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to change your food and beverage menu to better suit the season. Whiskey cocktails are the perfect addition to any holiday drinks list and can pair well with a variety of foods. There are many different types of whiskey you can use to make your drinks, including craft whiskey. This allows the creation of unique flavor profiles that people may have not experienced before.
If you are looking for inspiration and a bit more information about whiskey cocktails, rather than the usual “How to make a Whiskey Sour”, this article is for you. Below, you will find a list of great cocktails to try this year and maybe even add them to your offerings for the upcoming seasons.
Classic Whiskey Cocktails You Need on the Menu
Whiskey is one of the most popular types of alcohol in the world. That’s why there are plenty of whiskey cocktails that have become true classics over the years. Here are some cocktails that you should have on your list because people will be asking for them:
1. Old Fashioned
A timeless favorite, the Old Fashioned combines whiskey (usually rye whiskey or bourbon), bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus. It’s a simple cocktail that’s also bold, and it allows the whiskey’s flavor to shine.
2. Whiskey Sour
Whiskey Sour is a staple cocktail made with whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, often topped with an egg white for added creaminess. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and sour, which is why so many people love it.
Key Takeaway: There are plenty of great whiskey cocktails that deserve to be on the beverage menu of almost every bar and restaurant. However, there are also unique twists and recipes that deserve attention and can spark the interest of more adventurous customers. Always try to match the cocktails with the season and the food that is being served at the specific time of year.
3. Manhattan
This classic drink is a mix of whiskey and sweet vermouth with bitters and it’s garnished with a cherry. Traditionally, the Manhattan cocktail is made with rye whiskey, but you can also make it a bourbon cocktail.
4. Boulevardier
This cocktail is basically a whiskey take on the popular Negroni and it combines bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The Boulevardier is a complex and slightly bitter cocktail that is great for sipping.
5. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is traditionally associated with the Kentucky Derby and it’s a refreshing mix of bourbon, mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice. It’s a perfect drink for the warmer weather or for special events.
Unique Whiskey Cocktails to Consider
We all know the classics, but what about the more unique whiskey cocktails you can make? Let’s look at some examples!
1. Smoky Maple Sour
This is a twist to the classic Whiskey Sour and it uses smoked whiskey or bourbon, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and bitters. The smoky element and rich sweetness of maple add layers of flavor.
2. Gold Rush
This cocktail drink is a modern classic, a simple yet unique blend of bourbon and honey syrup, as well as fresh lemon juice. Gold Rush is a refreshing drink with the richness of honey balancing the whiskey.
3. Penicillin
A cocktail created with blended Scotch, smoky Islay Scotch, honey-ginger syrup, and fresh lemon juice, the Penicillin is a whiskey cocktail with bold flavors. It’s a perfect cocktail for adventurous drinkers looking for something different.
4. Blackberry Bourbon Smash
If you want a refreshing and fruity cocktail, the Blackberry Bourbon Smash is for you. It’s a combination of bourbon with muddled blackberries, lemon, and mint. It’s both pretty and delicious!
5. Maple Bacon Old Fashioned
This truly unique take on the Old Fashioned will be a favorite of many. It is made with bacon-infused bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. It has a sweet and savory taste that will surely make it stand out in your beverage menu.
6. Paper Plane
Paper Plane is a contemporary whiskey cocktail that is a mix of bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice. It has a complex yet balanced flavor profile. It’s tangy, bittersweet, and elegant.
7. Brown Derby
The Brown Derby features bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey syrup, offering a citrusy, bright alternative to more classic whiskey drinks.
Modern Whiskey Cocktails with a Twist
There are unique whiskey cocktails but we also want to share a couple of drinks with a great twist. Here is what you should try!
1. Whiskey Ginger Mule
This is a modern twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. The drink combines whiskey with ginger beer and lime juice, served in a copper mug.
2. New York Sour
This variation of the Whiskey Sour, called New York Sour, features red wine float on top of the classic sour base. The wine adds a unique color and extra depth to the drink.
When you include classic and unique cocktails in your menu, you will cater to people with more traditional tastes while offering new and exciting options for more adventurous drinkers. Always strive for diversity while still offering drinks that fit the concept of your business and the time of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whiskey Cocktails
There are so many different cocktail recipes available, as well as variations of your favorite whiskey cocktails. We have discussed some of them already but surely there could be some questions left unanswered. Below, we have gathered some of the most commonly asked questions on the topic and answered them for you!
What Types of Whiskey Are Used in Cocktails?
Different types of whiskey can be used in cocktails, including bourbon, rye whiskey, Scotch, Irish whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey. The choice of whiskey influences the flavor profile, with bourbon offering sweeter notes, rye being spicier, and Scotch adding a smoky element to the drink.
What’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Rye Whiskey in Cocktails?
Bourbon tends to be sweeter and smoother due to its high corn content, making it ideal for cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour. Rye whiskey is spicier and more robust, often used in cocktails like the Manhattan and Boulevardier for a more complex flavor.
What’s the Best Whiskey Cocktail for Cold Weather?
For cold weather, try a Hot Toddy or Irish Coffee. Both of these drinks feature warm ingredients that complement whiskey’s rich, warm qualities, making them perfect for chilly days.
What Glassware Should I Use for Whiskey Cocktails?
Different whiskey cocktails are served in specific glassware. Old Fashioned glasses (also known as rock glasses) are used for drinks like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour. A Manhattan or Boulevardier is served in a coupe or martini glass, while highball glasses are used for whiskey and soda or Whiskey Mule.