Whether you’re a fan of neat bourbon or scotch on the rocks, there’s a great whiskey (or whisky) co*cktail you’ll love. We’ve got variations on classics including the Old Fashioned, Sazarac, Manhattan, Irish Coffee, this spin on the Rob Roy, and more, plus newer co*cktails, like this Paper Plane makeover.
Whether your whiskey preference is bourbon, rye, Irish, scotch, Japanese, or a world whisky, there’s something on our list for every palate. There are plenty of options for refreshing summer whisky drinks as well as fireside sippers and co*cktails that are perfect for the holidays or winter months when you want to warm up with whiskey. Looking for special occasion whiskies? We have you covered with suggestions for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and beyond. Or check out these entertaining with whisky ideas.
Our list spans the flavor gamut, too, with options for those who like co*cktails sweet or floral to spicy and complex, spirit-forward, or tangy and citrusy. Most of these co*cktails can be made in big batches, best for large parties, or single servings, for when you just want an easy tipple.
All our co*cktail recipes hail from renowned bartenders and mixologists with posts at establishments like Seven Grand (multiple locations), Bern’s Steak House in Miami, Fine & Rare NYC, and more.
Old Fashioned Recipes
With roots from the 1800s, originally called Old Fashioned Whiskey co*cktail, it’s said to have been created at the Pendennis Club, a gentleman’s club in Louisville, in honor of James E. Pepper. It’s said that it became known to the world when Pepper introduced it at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York during one of his many visits. Today, the Old Fashioned is the only co*cktail served at the James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington.
Whiskey, sugar, and bitters; co*cktail making doesn’t get much simpler than that. But there are considerations to be made well beyond the standard: Bourbon or rye as the base? Cherry or no cherry? Color outside the lines with these twists on the classic Old Fashioned co*cktail, check out this video on an apple cinnamon version, or mix up one of the recipes below.
Sweet Old Fashioned
Sweet potato pie in a glass! Bourbon, maple-flavored whisky, and sweet potato simple syrup will have you longing for seconds.
Get the recipe here.
Lavender Old Fashioned
Bitter-sweet and oh-so-simple—bourbon, lavender simple syrup, and bitters—yet refreshingly suitable for summer.
Get the recipe here.
Leaf and Bean
Move over rum, this tipple uses whisky, spice, coffee, and bitters to create a tiki-fied whisky drink.
Get the recipe here.
Florida Fashioned
Springtime sings from the glass with this blend of Irish whiskey, rye or peated scotch, and lemongrass syrup. Sounds complicated? It’s not! But if lemongrass isn’t in your herb garden, use lemongrass tea instead.
Get the recipe here.
Tequila Old Fashioned
High-rye bourbon (like these from Four Roses, New Riff, Hirsch, and Redemption, among others) and añejo tequila serve as the base of this full-bodied and warming twist to the classic.
Get the recipe here.
Malted American Trilogy
American single malt shines in this crisp co*cktail, but does not distract from the flavors of its supporting ingredients: apple brandy, dememara syrup, and bitters.
Get the recipe here.
When Smoking Was Infashioned
Are you a fan of smoked co*cktail but looking for a change of pace? We have you covered. Smoked ice and citrus peels are the secret to this drink’s lasting smoky flavor.
Get the recipe here.
The Battle of New Orleans
Licorice lovers will enjoy this fresh take on the Old Fashioned with its added splash of absinthe. This easy build requires only a quick stir and is served over ice.
Get the recipe here.
Bacon Maple Old Fashioned
Bacon-infused bourbon and a touch of maple syrup create a sweet and savory concoction. Its bacon garnish might just be a game-changer. Fat washing doesn’t end with bacon, discover these tasty takes on fat-washed whisky or create your own riff with these whisky infusion tips.
Get the recipe here.
Thirsty for more? Check out 3 more recipes for variations of the classic Old Fashioned.
Brandy lovers will enjoy this riff.
Sazerac Recipes
Born in New Orleans and credited to Antoine Amédée Peychaud, of the namesake bitters, who was an apothecary who emigrated to the French Quarter from the West Indies in the 19th century. Named after the Sazerac de Forge brand of cognac, the Sazerac co*cktail is traditionally made with rye whiskey or brandy, plus bitters, a dash of sugar, and a hint of absinthe. But our recipe variations below give you some fun options for shifting the traditional whisky-forward bitter-sweet taste profile in many directions.
Chocolate Washed Sazarac
Try your hand at making a chocolate-washed rye (it’s really easy!) and fold in some Amaro Nino, and chocolate bitters for a not-too-sweet riff on the classic.
Get the recipe here.
Sazerac Sour
Bottled in bond rye and a Sazerac syrup turn this originally cognac-based co*cktail on its head. Spirit-forward co*cktail fans will love this.
Get the recipe here.
Three Trees
Choose a rye whiskey that boasts chocolate flavors to support the anise, sassafras, and root beer flavors in this hefty co*cktail. Mad River as suggested in this recipe or consider Elijah Craig, The Senator 6 year old, Frey Ranch bottled in bond, or Ezra Brooks 99 to name a few of the many options.
Get the recipe here.
Solstice Sazerac
A smoked cinnamon bark garnish adds a spicy-smoky flair to this creation made using high-rye bourbon, cinnamon syrup, and bitters.
Get the recipe here.
Manhattan Recipes
Created in the 1880s, The Manhattan Club is said to have been the birthplace of this classic co*cktail. There are many tales about the occasion the drink was created for, most notably Winston Churchill’s mother’s banquet for presidential candidate Samuel Tilden, but the details are murky. What is clear is that the Manhattan has stayed true to its original form. You really can’t go wrong with the classic Manhattan. It’s a simple build of three ingredients (American whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters) and a garnish, stirred, and served on ice. But these recipe variations are just as easy to concoct but create a whole new flavor experience.
Midnight In The Village
This drink is a twist on the Black Manhattan which is a riff of the classic Manhattan. Created using rye whiskey, grapefruit bitters, and Nonino instead of Averna bitters resulting in a smooth sip with well-balanced spice.
Get the recipe here.
Room Temperature Manhattan
Hold the ice! Vanilla-forward Carpano Antica vermouth, rye whiskey, water, and bitters are stirred and strained into a wine glass for this version of the classic.
Get the recipe here.
King of Kings Manhattan
Rye whiskey, two types of vermouth, and bitters served in a chilled martini glass give this version of a Manhattan a flavor and presentation refresh.
Get the recipe here.
Big Chief
The introduction of amaro and a flambeauxed orange peel give this distant cousin of the Manhattan an interesting bittersweet twist.
Get the recipe here.
Manhattan Boulevard
While the foundation of this drink is true to the classic recipe, it’s the introduction of a Campari liqueur ice ball that transforms this Manhattan into a Boulevardier as the ice melts.
Get the recipe here.
Whiskey Sour Recipes
History suggests the Whiskey Sour originated with 18th-century sailors combining ingredients they had on hand, others suggest it was born out of necessity because they did not have water, others add it was used to fend off sickness, whatever the reason, the unbeatable balance of spirit, sugar, and citrus is a sensational summer co*cktail but versatile enough for any season. Whiskey meets sweet and sour in the classic—bourbon or rye, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the optional egg white—making the Whiskey Sour a clean slate for recipe variations. Just be sure the whiskey you use is between 43%-50% so it doesn’t get lost in the co*cktail.
Three Knuckle Formula
Using a fruit-forward American single malt as its base, the Three Knuckle kicks the classic up a notch with a touch of turmeric and apricot liqueur. Incredibly smooth and complex despite its simple four-ingredient build.
Get the recipe here.
The Affordable Pear Act
Asian pears and warm baking spices create a fall dessert in the glass. The spiced pear syrup takes some effort to prepare but it’s worth every minute and it produces enough to keep you well-stocked for many more drinks of this Whiskey Sour riff to come.
Get the recipe here.
Harvest Sour
Bourbon balanced with sweet and spice flavors takes this version of a Whiskey Sour to a whole new level. The classic is a perfect summer sipper but this version is a comforting drink perfect for fall.
Get the recipe here.
Hot Toddy Recipes
A soothing hug in a mug, the Hot Toddy has been around for centuries. Some sources suggest the co*cktail was created in India using palm juice, others attribute it to a doctor in Ireland; regardless we’re grateful for the concoction. Whether you’re battling a sore throat, looking to shake off the chill after a day on the slopes, or longing for a warm and simple sipper, the Hot Toddy cures all. Any type of whisky works well, whether it's American whiskey, scotch, Irish, Japanese, or even world whisky. It’s easy to create your own recipe riffs by using hot apple cider or hot tea instead of water or soothe your soul with one of these.
Blackberry Lemon Pancake Toddy
This big-batch co*cktail is ideal for tailgates or a fall gathering. Made using Tennessee whiskey or bourbon, blackberry jelly, and maple syrup and prepared in a Crock-Pot.
Get the recipe here.
Rye and Chai Toddy
Rye whiskey and brandy are the foundation of this warm co*cktail that’s layered with chai tea, honey-oat syrup, lemon juice, and bitters to create a velvety flavorful experience. Cozy up by the fire with a mug of this and shake off the chill.
Get the recipe here.
Bardstown to Paris
This whiskey co*cktail for a crowd is easy to prepare and is built in a Crock-Pot for easy entertaining. Bourbon, Dubonnet Rouge, simple syrup, orange juice, and mulling spices create an aromatic and tasty flavor journey.
Get the recipe here.
Mint Julep Recipes
Declared the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938, nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are sold at the track in early May each year. The iconic Kentucky Derby day drink should be your go-to for any day, especially the sweltering days of summer. Bourbon is the star in this co*cktail, along with sugar, mint, and lots of crushed ice so it’s best to choose a whiskey above 40% ABV but lower-ABV options can still shine. Get all the basics here and check out these tips for whiskeys to use and more. Not a fan of the Mint Julep? Try these 5 recipes.
Sparkling Cherry Julep
A sweet spin on the Mint Julep, the addition of Luxardo maraschino liqueur makes this shine. But have no fear, it doesn’t dodge tradition too much, mint sprigs are still used to garnish this dose of refreshment.
Get the recipe here.
Wake & Bake Julep
Irish whiskey in a Julep? Yes, and a shot of cold brew coffee, too! This iteration is perfect for those that get an early start on Derby Day.
Get the recipe here.
Near Eastern Julep
The Julep’s signature mint is replaced with basil in this creation but it doesn’t end there. More herbal and spice flavors are introduced with the addition of ginger syrup and Becherovka liqueur. This Czech spirit is made from around 20 herbs and spices that contribute flavors of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and more.
Get the recipe here.
Mint Julep Lemonade
Staying fairly true to its form, this version of the Mint Julep includes a splash of added refreshment with the addition of lemonade. Two iconic summer co*cktails collide to quench your thirst in the dog days of summer.
Get the recipe here.
Butchertown Julep
Harkening back to the Mint Julep’s roots, this alternative uses brandy, as it was originally made back in the 1800s, instead of bourbon as its base. A splash of amaro adds dimension along with the demerara syrup and mint build.
Get the recipe here.
Irish Coffee Recipes
While this co*cktail has Irish roots, it’s a bar in San Francisco that is credited with perfecting it. Since 1952, the Buena Vista has been serving the Irish Whiskey, making some 2,000 a day in recent times. Often it’s true that simple is best and when it comes to a co*cktail, it doesn’t get much easier than Irish Coffee: Irish whiskey, demerara sugar, hot coffee, and whipped cream serve up silkiness and comfort in the iconic mug. That simplicity is what makes it so easy to customize. Check out these tips for variation inspiration, experiment with a variety of Irish whiskeys, or try the below recipes.
OTT Irish Coffee
A hint of orange introduced by way of the whipped cream float is enough to take this version of the Irish Coffee off the charts. This drink is the equivalent of your favorite sweater you reach for when you want comfort and warmth.
Get the recipe here.
Moment of Clarity
Think Irish Coffee meets a Manhattan with this bourbon-based recipe for a crowd. And believe it or not, there’s no coffee included. Sweetened Earl Grey tea, rum, and liqueurs contribute to this co*cktail’s deliciousness. Mix it up the day before serving and warm in a Crock-Pot before serving.
Get the recipe here.
Penicillin Recipes
Just like its namesake prescription, this drink is said to be a cure for all that ails. Like all whiskey drinks, right? This modern-classic co*cktail was created by Sam Ross of New York’s Milk & Honey in the early 2000s. The Penicillin is a mix of blended scotch, ginger syrup, honey syrup, and a float of peated scotch, with a garnish of candied ginger. Serving this drink super cold is key, as is not replacing the ginger syrup with ginger liqueur as many recipes suggest according to some mixologists. Get more tips here.
Tocayo
Created to combat the intense Miami heat, this version includes two single malt scotches, ginger, lemon, and honey, plus additional botanical and bubbly components in the form of ginger beer, lavender honey syrup, and sage.
Get the recipe here.
Burning History
Japanese whisky serves as the base of this riff of the Penicillin. The addition of yuzu juice, honey, and egg whites lend it sweet and frothy components, while the smoked glass creates a layer of complexity.
Get the recipe here.
Highball Recipes
By definition the Highball is a co*cktail consisting of a base spirit and a larger portion of a carbonated beverage. Think Scotch and Soda, Seven and Seven, Rum and co*ke, or Gin and Tonic. Regardless of the spirit and mixer you choose the key is lots of ice served in a tall (highball) glass. It lets the spirit sing without overpowering. Highball co*cktails are versatile for any season but a standout for refreshment from the heat of summer and a great choice to drink with a meal or if there’s an occasion for a mid-day co*cktail. Added bonus: Any type of whisky works! Try this recipe using Japanese whisky or this bourbon-based Highball.
Whiskey Ginger
This co*cktail recipe can take many different turns depending on the type of whisky you choose. Spice lovers should reach for a high-rye bourbon or rye whiskey. A touch of smokiness can be added with scotch or peated American single malt.
Get the recipe here.
Pembroke
The bourbon-based Pembroke co*cktail defies tradition with the addition of lemon juice; classic Highballs do not include citrus juice. In addition to the lemon, this version includes added zest by way of rosemary.
Get the recipe here.
The Blinker
Fresh raspberries, grapefruit and lemon juices, and a touch of Giffard Pêche de Vigne pack a fruity punch to this version of the Highball co*cktail.
Get the recipe here.
The Highland
Homemade pear cider adds an extra dose of crispness to this co*cktail. It, along with bourbon, honey syrup, and ginger beer, create a lip-smacking, tasty take on a Highball.
Get the recipe here.
Peche-y Keen
A citrusy Highball that is suitable for any occasion, but was created with holiday gatherings in mind. It's floral and honeyed flavors are contrary to the spice notes typical of holiday co*cktails. This recipe makes eight servings but can easily be adjusted to quench your crowd's thirst.
Get the recipe here.
