Five best whisky cocktails

Whisky is one of the most beloved spirits in the world, with a deep, complex flavour that makes it perfect for cocktails.

Whether you’re new to whisky drinks or looking for whisky cocktail recipes to expand your repertoire, there’s a perfect drink for every taste. From timeless classics to modern twists, here are five of the best whisky cocktails to try.

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the most classic whisky cocktails, known for its simplicity and elegance. It highlights the rich, bold flavours of whisky with just a few key ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 60ml (2 oz) whisky (bourbon or rye)
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• A few dashes of water
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Ice

How to make an Old Fashioned:

1. Place the sugar cube in a glass and soak it with the bitters.
2. Add a few dashes of water and muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add ice and pour in the whisky.
4. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

A “lazy Old Fashioned” is a simplified version of this classic, where the sugar cube is replaced with simple syrup to speed up the process.

2. Whisky Sour

The Whisky Sour is a refreshing, tangy whisky mixed drink that balances the sweetness of whisky with the sharpness of lemon juice.

Ingredients:

• 60ml (2 oz) whisky
• 30ml (1 oz) fresh lemon juice
• 15ml (1/2 oz) simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional, for a creamy texture)
• Ice
• Lemon slice or cherry, for garnish

How to make a Whisky Sour:

1. Shake all ingredients (except ice) in a shaker without ice for 15 seconds (if using egg white).
2. Add ice and shake again until chilled.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice or cherry.

3. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a sophisticated whisky cocktail recipe that dates back to the 1800s, known for its smooth and slightly sweet profile.

Ingredients:

• 60ml (2 oz) rye whisky (bourbon can also be used)
• 30ml (1 oz) sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Cherry, for garnish

How to make a Manhattan cocktail:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add whisky, vermouth, and bitters.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with a cherry.

4. Irish coffee

For those who enjoy a warm whisky drink, Irish Coffee is one of the best whisky cocktails to try. It blends rich coffee with the smooth warmth of Irish whisky.

Ingredients:

• 40ml (1.5 oz) Irish whisky
• 120ml (4 oz) freshly brewed coffee
• 15ml (1/2 oz) brown sugar syrup (or regular sugar)
• Fresh whipped cream

How to make an Irish coffee:

1. Pour hot coffee into a warmed glass.
2. Stir in the whisky and brown sugar syrup.
3. Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
4. Serve without stirring.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a whisky-based variation of the Negroni, offering a bold, bittersweet balance that’s perfect for whisky lovers.

Ingredients:

• 45ml (1.5 oz) bourbon or rye whisky
• 30ml (1 oz) sweet vermouth
• 30ml (1 oz) Campari
• Ice
• Orange peel, for garnish

How to make a Boulevardier:

1. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a glass with ice or serve straight up.

4. Garnish with an orange peel.

How to drink whisky in cocktails

While whisky is often enjoyed neat, these whisky-mixed drinks allow you to explore different flavour profiles.

Whether you prefer the smooth and citrusy notes of a Whisky Sour or the bold bitterness of a Boulevardier, whisky cocktails offer something for everyone. Discover the world of cocktails with global sensation, bartender and expert Ago Perrone on his BBC Maestro course Mastering Mixology.