7 Easy Whisky Cocktails

Here is your ultimate guide to whisky cocktails—where classic craftsmanship meets easy-to-follow recipes perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Explore 7 popular cocktails that highlight whisky’s rich flavors, from smoky Scotch to smooth Bourbon. Whether you’re shaking up your first Old Fashioned or stirring a sophisticated Manhattan, you’ll find clear steps to enjoy these timeless drinks at home.

If you would like to dive deeper into whisky’s fascinating history and styles by visiting this comprehensive whisky guide: Whisk(e)y: The Golden Spirit Loved Worldwide. Cheers to discovering the golden spirit!

1. Old Fashioned

A timeless whisky cocktail, the Old Fashioned is celebrated for its simplicity and for enhancing the flavor of the whisky with just a touch of sweetness and aromatic bitters.

Ingredient List: 50–60ml (2oz) bourbon or rye whisky 1 tsp sugar or 10ml sugar syrup 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters Orange peel Maraschino cherry (optional) Ice

Method: Step by Step

1. Place the sugar (or syrup) and bitters in a rocks glass.

2. Add a splash of water or stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

4. Pour in the whisky.

5. Stir gently to combine.

6. Garnish with a slice of orange peel and a cherry.

2. Whisky Sour

The Whisky Sour delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it one of the most refreshing and accessible classic whisky cocktails.

Ingredient List: 45–50ml (1.5–2oz) bourbon whisky 25–30ml (1oz) fresh lemon juice 12–15ml (0.5oz) simple syrup 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness) 2 dashes bitters (optional) Ice Cocktail cherry (for garnish)

Method: Step by Step

1. Add whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker.

2. Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds.

3. Add ice and shake again until chilled.

4. Double strain into a glass (over ice or neat).

5. Garnish with a cherry or a few dashes of bitters

3. Manhattan

Sophisticated and richly flavored, the Manhattan combines whisky and sweet vermouth with a hint of bitters for a smooth, elegant drink.

Ingredient List: 50ml (2oz) rye or bourbon whisky 20ml (0.75oz) sweet vermouth 1–2 dashes bitters Maraschino cherry (for garnish) Ice

Method: Step by Step

1. Add whisky, vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.

2. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

4. Highball

The Highball is a light, refreshing way to enjoy whisky, especially on warm days. Its combination with soda water lets the whisky flavors shine through.

Ingredient List: 50ml (2oz) whisky (any style: Scotch, bourbon, etc.) 150ml (5oz) chilled soda water Ice Lemon wedge or twist (for garnish)

Method: Step by Step

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.

2. Pour in the whisky and stir briefly.

3. Top with soda water.

4. Stir gently and garnish with lemon.

5. Godfather

Simple and strong, the Godfather cocktail merges whisky’s depth with the sweet, nutty notes of amaretto. Just two ingredients and a stir—great for any occasion.

Ingredient List: 50ml (2oz) Scotch whisky 25ml (1oz) amaretto Ice Orange twist (optional)

Method: Step by Step

1. Fill an old fashioned glass with ice.

2. Pour in the whisky and amaretto.

3. Stir gently to combine.

4. Garnish with an orange twist if desired.

6. Boulevardier

A whisky lover’s twist on the Negroni, the Boulevardier blends whisky, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a bold, bittersweet cocktail.

Ingredient List: 40ml (1.5oz) bourbon or rye whisky 30ml (1oz) sweet vermouth 30ml (1oz) Campari Ice Orange twist (for garnish)

Method: Step by Step

1. Add whisky, sweet vermouth, and Campari to a mixing glass with ice.

2. Stir until chilled.

3. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice (for a rocks glass) or neat in a coupe.

4. Garnish with an orange twist.

7. Mint Julep

Famous for its role at the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep is a cool, refreshing mix of whisky, mint, sugar, and crushed ice.

Ingredient List: 60ml (2oz) bourbon whisky 8–10 fresh mint leaves 10ml (0.33oz) simple syrup Crushed ice Mint sprig (for garnish)

Method: Step by Step

1. Place mint leaves and simple syrup in a glass or julep cup.

2. Gently muddle the mint to release aromas.

3. Fill the cup with crushed ice.

4. Pour in the whisky.

5. Stir until the outside of the glass is frosty.

6. Top with more crushed ice and a mint sprig garnish.