Whiskey Cocktails
31 cocktails made with whiskey.
Benton's Old Fashioned
whiskey · Medium
A pioneering modern classic from New York's PDT that revolutionized the 'fat-washing' technique. It combines the savory, smoky essence of premium bacon with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the robust character of bourbon.
Blood and Sand
whiskey · Medium
Named after the 1922 bullfighter film starring Rudolph Valentino, this is one of the rare classic cocktails that successfully employs Scotch whisky. The equal-parts recipe creates a surprisingly balanced drink where the smokiness of the scotch cuts through the sweetness of the cherry and vermouth, rounded out by the brightness of orange juice.
Bobby Burns
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and spirit-forward classic that elevates the Scotch-based Rob Roy with a touch of herbal complexity. It offers a rich, velvety texture with a perfect balance between smoky whisky, botanical vermouth, and honeyed herbs.
Boulevardier
whiskey · Easy
The Boulevardier is a sophisticated classic that swaps the Negroni's gin for whiskey, creating a rich and warming profile. It perfectly balances the bitterness of Campari with the sweetness of vermouth and the bold character of bourbon or rye.
Brown Derby
whiskey · Easy
Named after the iconic hat-shaped restaurant in Los Angeles, this cocktail is a bright and refreshing blend of bourbon, grapefruit, and honey. It strikes a perfect balance between the richness of whiskey and the tartness of citrus, making it a timeless Hollywood classic.
De La Louisiane
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated New Orleans classic that masterfully balances the spice of rye whiskey with the deep herbal sweetness of Benedictine and the aromatic punch of absinthe. Often compared to a more complex Manhattan or a herbaceous Vieux Carré, it remains a favorite for lovers of spirit-forward cocktails.
Final Ward
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated modern classic created by Phil Ward in 2007. It's a riff on the Last Word that replaces gin with rye whiskey and lime with lemon, offering a spicier and more grounded herbal experience.
Frisco Sour
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and herbal evolution of the classic Whiskey Sour, featuring the spicy backbone of rye whiskey and the complex botanical sweetness of Benedictine. It offers a drier, more aromatic profile than a standard sour, making it an excellent choice for a refined evening sip.
Gloom Lifter
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated twist on the Whiskey Sour, the Gloom Lifter lives up to its name by brightening the spirit with a splash of Cognac and the fruity sweetness of grenadine. Popularized by David Embury in 1948, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of tart lemon, rich whiskey, and a silky texture from the egg white.
Gold Rush
whiskey · Easy
A refined modern classic originating from New York's Milk & Honey bar. The Gold Rush is a simple yet sophisticated variation of the Whiskey Sour, substituting honey syrup for sugar to create a richer, more complex flavor profile with floral undertones.
Greenpoint
whiskey · Medium
Created in 2006 by Michael McIlroy at the legendary Milk & Honey, the Greenpoint is a sophisticated riff on the Brooklyn cocktail. It swaps out dry vermouth and maraschino for Yellow Chartreuse, resulting in a rich, herbaceous, and spirit-forward experience.
Harvest Moon
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that captures the essence of autumn. It elegantly balances the bold spice of rye whiskey with the honeyed herbal complexity of Bénédictine and the floral lightness of Lillet Blanc.
Highball
whiskey · Easy
The Highball is the ultimate expression of simplicity, designed to elongate the spirit and highlight its subtle nuances with carbonation. This refreshing classic has seen a massive resurgence through Japanese bar culture, where the quality of ice and water is paramount.
Irish Coffee
whiskey · Medium
A world-famous warm cocktail that perfectly balances robust coffee and smooth whiskey under a cool, velvety layer of cream. It is traditionally sipped through the cold cream to reach the hot, sweetened coffee beneath.
John Collins
whiskey · Easy
A refreshing and tall whiskey sour, the John Collins is the bourbon-based sibling to the famous Tom Collins. Crisp, effervescent, and perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, it highlights the caramel notes of the whiskey against a bright citrus backdrop.
Lion's Tail
whiskey · Medium
A Prohibition-era classic that offers a unique and spicy twist on the Whiskey Sour family. The distinctive warmth of Allspice Dram (Pimento Dram) pairs perfectly with bourbon, creating a complex, aromatic cocktail that is particularly comforting in cooler weather.
Little Italy
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated variation of the Manhattan, the Little Italy adds a layer of complexity with Cynar, an Italian artichoke-based amaro. Created by Audrey Saunders in 2005, it beautifully balances the spicy notes of rye whiskey with bittersweet, earthy undertones.
Manhattan
whiskey · Easy
The Manhattan is a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that perfectly balances the spice of rye whiskey with the herbal sweetness of vermouth. It is widely considered one of the greatest cocktails ever created, offering a timeless profile that is both complex and smooth.
Mint Julep
whiskey · Medium
The Mint Julep is the legendary drink of the Kentucky Derby, a refreshing combination of bourbon, sugar, and mint. Served in a frosty metal cup, it offers a cool, herbal sweetness that perfectly balances the oaky warmth of the whiskey.
New York Sour
whiskey · Medium
A visually striking twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, distinguished by a float of dry red wine. The wine adds a layer of fruity complexity and dryness that perfectly balances the sweet and tart whiskey base.
Old Fashioned
whiskey · Medium
The Old Fashioned is the definitive whiskey cocktail, offering a timeless balance of spirit, sugar, and bitters. It is a slow-sipping classic that highlights the complex character of the whiskey with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Paper Plane
whiskey · Medium
A modern classic created by Sam Ross in 2008, the Paper Plane is a perfectly balanced riff on the Last Word. It combines the warmth of bourbon with the bittersweet complexity of Amaro Nonino and Aperol, brightened by fresh lemon juice.
Penicillin
whiskey · Medium
A modern classic created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York. The Penicillin masterfully balances the spicy bite of ginger and honey with the sharp citrus of lemon, all topped with a signature smoky Islay Scotch aroma.
Red Hook
whiskey · Medium
Created in 2003 by Vincenzo Errico at New York's legendary Milk & Honey, the Red Hook is a robust Manhattan variation. It balances the spicy kick of rye whiskey with the herbal bitterness of Punt e Mes and the funky sweetness of Maraschino liqueur.
Rob Roy
whiskey · Easy
Often called a Scotch Manhattan, the Rob Roy was created in 1894 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. It swaps rye whiskey for Scotch, offering a smokier, more complex profile while retaining the elegant balance of vermouth and bitters.
Rusty Nail
whiskey · Easy
A sophisticated and potent classic that combines the smoky depth of Scotch whisky with the honeyed, herbal sweetness of Drambuie. Known as a signature drink of the 1960s Rat Pack, it offers a smooth yet powerful sipping experience perfect for slow contemplation.
Sazerac
whiskey · Medium
The Sazerac is a quintessential New Orleans classic, widely regarded as one of America's first cocktails. It features a bold, spirit-forward profile with a complex herbal finish provided by the absinthe rinse and signature Peychaud's bitters.
Seelbach
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and sparkling cocktail from Louisville, Kentucky, famous for its unusually high number of bitters. It offers a complex interplay between the warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of orange, and a dry, effervescent finish.
Toronto
whiskey · Medium
The Toronto is a sophisticated variation of the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, distinguished by the addition of Fernet-Branca. It offers a complex balance of spicy rye whiskey notes and the deep, medicinal bitterness of the Italian amaro.
Vieux Carré
whiskey · Medium
A potent, complex masterpiece named after New Orleans' French Quarter. This sophisticated blend of spirits and bitters delivers a rich, layered profile that evolves with every sip, capturing the soul of the Crescent City.
Whiskey Sour
whiskey · Easy
A quintessential classic that perfectly balances the rich, woody notes of bourbon with tart citrus and a touch of sweetness. The optional egg white adds a luxurious, silken texture and a beautiful frothy head that carries the aromatic bitters.