5 Refreshing Cocktails with Whiskey

Whiskey is quite a versatile spirit.  In fact, the range of cocktails listed below speak to its versatility. Many bartenders classify whiskey as the world’s most popular brown spirit. So although vodka, gin, and tequila seem to basque in the spotlight, whiskey deserves to share in the fame.   

Here’s the bottom line: 

Whiskey comes in many different variations. Therefore, there are a myriad of ways to savor the unique nuances of whiskey through cocktails.

Whether you crave some spice or something more sweet, whiskey can do it all.  In fact, whiskey can compliment a range of flavor profiles. The liquor’s versatility promises that there is a whiskey cocktail for everyone!

First, let’s get one thing straight: 

Is it whiskey or whisky? 

Ah the age old question. Are whiskey and whisky two different spirits? The answer is: 

No. 

The answer to this question “whiskey or whisky?” is largely dependent on where you live. While Americans and the Irish generally include an “e” in the spelling of whiskey, Canadians and The Scottish people spell whisky without the “e”. Although there is no difference between whiskey and whisky, there are many different types of whiskey. 

What are the different types of whiskey?

Popular whiskey variations include rye, scotch, and bourbon. Whiskey is a classification for a variety of distilled liquors that are created using a fermented mash of cereal grains and aged in wooden (generally oak) containers. 

So, what exactly sets these liquors apart? 

The difference between rye, scotch, and bourbon whiskey is the type of cereal grain used in the distilling process as well as the method and location of production.

1. Scotch whisky: Whisky connoisseurs love scotch for its smoky flavor. Distillers primarily make scotch from melting barley and heating it over a peat fire. A whisky cannot be classified as a scotch unless it is entirely produced and bottled in Scotland. 
2. Bourbon whiskey: Distillers craft bourbon using at least 51% mash from corn. This method of distillation makes the liquor quite sweet.  In order for a whiskey to be classified as a bourbon, it must be made in the United States. 
3. Rye whiskey: Rye whiskey is a whiskey that uses a rye mash or a rye and malt mash. Many desire rye for its peppery bite. Most of the rye whiskey production takes place in the USA and Canada. Kentucky produces the majority of the United States’s rye whiskey.

What is the best way to drink whiskey? 

Whiskey is first and foremost versatile. Therefore, there are a number of ways to enjoy this spirit. 

1.Neat 

In order to fully appreciate the nuance of a whiskey, it is best to drink it neat. A whiskey neat is meant to be consumed slowly, not consumed all in one sip. 

2. Add Water

For many, drinking a whiskey neat is too intense. The high alcoholic content can simply overwhelm one’s taste buds. Adding a little water both lowers the alcohol content and releases the water repellent elements in the glass, allowing the drinker to detect more flavors by smell. 

3. On the Rocks 

Although this is a popular way to consume whiskey, experts often recommend against this option. Ice tends to numb you palate and dull the flavor of the whiskey. If you do choose “on the rocks” opt for a large ice cube rather than small cubes which tend to melt faster and dilute your drink quite quickly. Try chilled whiskey stones, if you do not want to dilute your whiskey. 

4. In a cocktail 

Cocktails with whiskey recipes are seemingly endless. However, whiskey cocktail classics include the Whiskey Sour, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Sazerac. Below we have outlined some of Minibar Delivery’s favorite whiskey cocktails that will be a hit at your next party or family dinner. 

What are the best cocktails with whiskey?

Maple Old Fashioned

Sazerac

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 2 dashes peychaud’s bitters
• 1 dash angostura bitters
• absinthe
• 1 tsp sugar
• lemon peel

Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy

• 2 oz apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• ½ tbsp honey
• 1 oz honey whiskey
• ½ tbsp lemon juice

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
• Maraschino cherry

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz ginger beer
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• thyme
• 1/2 oz lemon juice