It won’t take much convincing to get any enthusiast to acquaint themselves with the foundational whisky cocktails that have graced bars and speakeasies globally.
You can probably name 20 that are delicious, so sticking to under a dozen is the hard part!
For bartenders, understanding these classic concoctions are an essential part of the job. Memorise the recipes and use them when needed. For enthusiasts, it’s good to try them as through sipping these cocktails you can truly appreciate just how versatile whisky can be as a spirit.
Here, we delve into ten whisky cocktails we feel are important to know about and know how to make. We’ll underscore their significance from both the drinker and bartender perspectives as we go along…
The most iconic whisky cocktail – the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 19th century, offering a classic drink with rich historical context. Its taste is a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and the underlying strength of whiskey. An Old Fashioned is the ideal place to start if you enjoy savouring the depth of the base spirit.
The Old Fashioned stands as one of the most classic whiskey cocktails, a testament to the elegance of simplicity. Bartenders must be adept at crafting this cocktail not only due to its popularity, but also to illustrate their mastery over balancing the fundamental elements – bitter, sweet, and spirituous.
There’s a reason why people are judged on their Old Fashioned’s!
Manhattan
The Manhattan, developed in the mid-19th century, offers a sweeter alternative to the Old Fashioned, providing a silky, sophisticated palate with a hint of herbal notes.
It is one of the quintessential whiskey cocktails. A well-made Manhattan can showcase a bartender’s skill in harmonising whiskey with vermouth. Your choice of Rye, Bourbon or other will make a huge impact to the profile.
That’s the fun of Manhattans – there’s room to play with each serving up a delicious proposition, so long as the recipe is dialled in accordingly.
It’s also two classics in one – as a Rob Roy is essentially a Manhattan but with Scotch whisky. The cocktail provides a perfect canvas to explore the rich and smoky profile of Blended Scotch in particular.
This cocktail is not all about the whisky either! The Manhattan also offers the creative freedom to experiment with different vermouths too. Not just in the way it’s styled (sweet / perfect / dry), the brand of vermouth itself which can accentuate different notes and aromas, making it the cocktail a broad canvas to highlight premium bottlings.
Whiskey Sour
A perfect blend of sour and sweet, the Whiskey Sour has been a favourite since the 19th century. It invites drinkers to explore a refreshing side of whiskey, with citrus notes predominating.
The Whiskey Sour is often considered a ‘gateway’ cocktail, which can sound derogatory, but we mean it in the absolute opposite way. Its approachable and refreshing – the essential for occasions calling for a light yet flavourful drink.
If you are in the trade, The Whiskey Sour is a cocktail that embodies versatility. It is a canvas where the fruity, sweet, and tart elements meet the vigour of whiskey. It is crucial for bartenders to master it, as its preparation delves deep into the understanding of balance.
Furthermore, once you have this sorted, riffs on sours (e.g. New York Sour / Gold Rush / Penicillin) are easy to create thereafter.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a quintessential southern drink, known for its refreshing minty notes. There are few drinks that offer such a rejuvenating drinking experience, especially in the warmer months.
Mastering the Mint Julep allows bartenders to showcase whiskey in a summer-friendly avatar. It is also an opportunity for bartenders to highlight whiskey’s affinity with fresh botanicals, creating a rich yet refreshing cocktail that can be a star in seasonal menus.
Boulevardier
A European twist to the whiskey cocktail family, the Boulevardier is characterised by its vibrant and bitter profile, courtesy of the bitters (typically Campari).
The Boulevardier is essentially a whisky variant of the Negroni. Having it in their repertoire allows bartenders to offer a robust and more complex alternative to gin-based aperitifs.
It can spotlight whiskies with a robust profile, providing a depth that harmonises excellently with the bitter notes of Campari. It can also help act as a bridge for drinkers familiar with the Negroni, but unfamiliar with the world of Malts, Ryes or Bourbons.
Sazerac
Originating from New Orleans, the Sazerac offers a unique tasting experience with a hint of anise and bitters enhancing the whisky base. It appeals to seasoned whiskey drinkers who appreciate depth and complexity, as well as those looking for a boozy short drink.
Mastering the Sazerac allows bartenders to delve into a historically rich cocktail that showcases the boldness of whisky. It’s a cocktail that offers a narrative, hence understanding its background can be an asset when engaging with enthusiasts who appreciate a tale with their tipple.
Irish Coffee
Combining coffee with Irish whiskey, this drink is a delightful amalgamation of warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavours. Delicious on all fronts! On a cold day there’s really nothing close to it. Irish Coffee calls to all those seeking a delightful drink that suits relaxed and casual occasions.
Being able to nail a perfect Irish Coffee allows bartenders to offer a comforting, dessert-like cocktail that can be a the ultimate closer to a delightful meal. Or a pick me up on a cold afternoon…
Mastering it involves thoughtful balancing of how the creamy, sweet, and robust elements can work in harmony however – which is easier said than done.
Hot Toddy
Hot Toddy’s are classics for a reason. While it’s better known for its soothing properties, this warm cocktail is a blend of honey, lemon, and whiskey. It resonates with all those looking for a homey, comforting cocktail, especially during the colder seasons.
The Hot Toddy is an age-old remedy and a comforting beverage during colder months. Knowing how to craft a Hot Toddy gives you an opportunity to highlight whiskey’s comforting notes while offering some nostalgic relaxation.
It’s comfort in a cup, which in essence, is the whole point of hospitality.
Whisky Highball
A simple yet elegant cocktail, a Whisky Highball provides a refreshing and effervescent experience. But don’t write it off as a basic drink!
It is uniquely able to showcase the subtle notes of a whisky and allows them to shine through.
The Highball is a testament to the adage that less is more. It is vital for bartenders to perfect this and not overlook it, as it magnifies the whisky’s characteristics. The highball offers a refreshing beverage that can highlight the finer notes and more nuanced qualities of a whisky.
It forces you to pay attention, yet does it in a way that incredibly accessible and easy going.
An under appreciated whisky cocktail – Blood and Sand
The cocktail is named after the 1922 bullfighter movie, “Blood and Sand”. It’s a drink that offers a vibrant and visually appealing experience. It has a rich red’ish hue, achieved through a combination of orange juice, sweet vermouth and Scotch whisky.
To taste it’s a vivid, balanced dance of sweet, bitter and smoky notes that invites drinkers to think twice about what a whisky based cocktail can be.
Having the Blood and Sand in your toolkit enables bartenders to offer a cocktail that is both visually and gastronomically pleasing. It’s a choice that is slightly off the beaten path too, yet always a joy to discover. It’s also a wonderful representation of what Scotch can do in a cocktail.
By understanding the historical context and the distinct taste profiles these cocktails offer, drinkers can expand their understanding of what whisky can be.
Whisky is so much more than a spirit to sip on neat!
From a bartender’s perspective, mastering these ten solid drinks opens up the rest of the whisky cocktail cannon. You’ll can be confident in having at least something for every type of situation. Moreover, that between them you’ll know how to dial in a recipe and hone your method around whisky as a spirit.
Cheers to that!
