17 Great Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
From the old fashioned to Irish Coffee, whiskey is king of cocktails
From the old fashioned and Sazerac to the Irish Coffee and hot toddy, whiskey is king of the cocktail. We've collected 17 great cocktail recipes using bourbon, scotch, rye, moonshine, and more.
The spicy bite of rye whiskey makes it a natural mixer. In our recipe for a classic Manhattan, it's tamed with sweet vermouth to make a balanced sipper.
Perhaps the most popular American whiskey is bourbon, and for good reason. It's caramelly sweetness makes it perfect for sipping neat, but it's also a great mixer. In the spring, get ready for the Kentucky Derby with a refreshing mint julep; in the fall, warm up with a rich bourbon old fashioned.
More of a scotch drinker? The penicillin, made with lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup is something of a cure-all. For a fruitier alternative, the scarlet starlet combines scotch with hibiscus and strawberry syrups.
If you're looking for a caffeine kick, we’ve got you covered. The Irish coffee is a tried-and-true combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream. If you'd rather go with tea, check out our bourbon-spiked almond milk chai.
Whatever you want to pair your whiskey with, we've got the recipe for you. Check out these 17 awesome whiskey cocktails!
Boulevardier Cocktail
In this negroni variation, gin is swapped out for bourbon. Get the recipe for Boulevardier Cocktail »
Alexis' Bordeaux Sour
Inspired by a cocktail at New York’s Lafayette restaurant, this twist on a classic whiskey sour gets its fruity flavor and rosy color from muddled maraschino cherries and Lillet Rouge, the fruity red French apéritif wine enhanced with citrus and spices. Get the recipe for Alexis’ Bordeaux Sour »
Thousand-Dollar Mint Julep
This version of the classic three-ingredient cocktail—which combines three parts bourbon to one part of a simple syrup bracingly infused with fresh spearmint—is sanctioned by the Kentucky Derby itself as their official mint julep recipe. Get the recipe for Thousand-Dollar Mint Julep »
Billionaire Cocktail
Developed by Dushan Zaric of NYC watering hole Employees Only and featuring absinthe, high-proof bourbon, and house-made pomegranate grenadine, the Billionaire is as rich as its name suggests. Get the recipe for Billionaire Cocktail »
Carthusian Sazerac
This variation on a Sazerac gets a boost from the complex, herbal flavor of chartreuse and a bright dash of lemon bitters. Get the recipe for Carthusian Sazerac »
Sazerac
The Sazerac—a combination of rye, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud’s bitters—is the official cocktail of New Orleans.
Manhattan
This classic cocktail is made with rye, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Get the recipe for Manhattan »
Ciderhouse Whiskey
Two simple ingredients, whiskey and cider syrup, combine to make a powerfully good drink. A twist of lemon lends a bitter brightness without diluting the richness of the cocktail.
The Clint Eastwood
With slightly spicy Bulleit Bourbon and sweet Italian Amarena cherries, this take on the Manhattan is named for everyone’s favorite Spaghetti Western hero.
The Sidney Poitier
The Bahamian film star would be proud to have inspired this combination of Maker’s Mark bourbon, sweet vermouth and Aztec chocolate bitters. Get the recipe for The Sidney Poitier »
The Patriot
This version of the Manhattan stays true to the classic with Jim Beam rye whiskey and Angostura bitters. Get the recipe for The Patriot »
The Whiskey Rebellion
Bulleit rye, two kinds of vermouth, and West Indies orange bitters make up this riff on a Manhattan.
Elderflower Old Fashioned
Elderflower liqueur replaces the traditional sugar cube in this floral twist on an old favorite. Get the recipe for Elderflower Old Fashioned >>
Kentucky Christmas
In this cocktail, bright, tart cranberry preserves beautifully balance the rich caramel flavor of bourbon. Get the recipe for Kentucky Christmas »
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