We all like our whiskies neat, with water or sometimes on the rocks, but there comes a time when we need to change things up, take a quick break from the single barrels, and dive into some fun classic whiskey cocktails that provide great enjoyment while still keeping the whisky profile as the foundation of the experience.

This quick list contains some of the favorite cocktails among whiskey aficionados and a starting point for beginners.

The Definition of Cocktail

The first known mention of the word “cocktail” goes back to 1806 in a New York serial publication known as The Balance and Columbian Repository. The publication (according to the Society of Wine Educators) defined a cocktail as “a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.” In the same source, you may find that the term “cocktail” also refers to a short drink made by mixing liquor, or wine with other spirits, fruit juices, egg whites, and/or bitters.

The Manhattan

The Manhattan cocktail is one of the oldest and most popular whiskey cocktails. Go with rye whisky if you like your cocktail spicy or bourbon if you like it on the sweet side.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. rye whiskey or bourbon or Canadian Whisky.
• 1 oz. sweet vermouth.
• 2 to 3 dashes of aromatic bitters.
• Cherry, for garnish.

How to make a Manhattan:

Pour the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well for about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.

The John Collins

Similar to Tom Collins, the John Collins is made with bourbon instead of gin, but still mixes lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda to make a very refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. bourbon.
• 1 oz. lemon juice.
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup.
• 2 oz. club soda.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
• Garnish with an orange slice.

How to make a John Collins:

Pour the bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Stir thoroughly and top with Club Soda. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

The Penicillin

Blended Scotch Whisky, lemon, and honey-ginger syrup create a well-balanced drink. The Penicillin is sweet, tart, spicy, garnished with ginger candy. If you like your cocktail with a little earthy flavor this one is for you.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. blended scotch whisky (J.W. Black, Famous Grouse, Dewar’s).
• 3/4 oz. lemon juice.
• 3/4 oz. honey-ginger syrup (See below).
• 1/4 oz. peated Islay single malt (Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10).
• 1 piece candied ginger to garnish.

The Honey-Ginger Syrup (For five drinks):

• 1/2 cup honey.
• 1/2 cup water.
• 3-inch piece of ginger root, peeled and sliced.

How to make Honey-Ginger Syrup:

Add water and ginger root to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, add the honey once the ginger is cooked, and allow the syrup to cool. Strain and store in the fridge.

How to prepare Penicillin:

Add all ingredients except the peated scotch to a shaker with ice. Shake well for 8 to 10 seconds. Strain over a large ice cube or several smaller cubes in a rock glass. Float peated whisky on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon, and garnish with candied ginger.

The Old-Fashioned

One of the greatest whisky cocktails of all time, the Old Fashioned was invented in Louisville, KY. Replace the bourbon with rye if you like it spicy. A true classic!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (if you want to go old school, go with sugar cubes, if not, replace with simple syrup)
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters.
• 1 teaspoon water.
• 2 oz. bourbon. A high-proof bourbon, 100% ABV or higher, works best.
• Garnish with an orange peel.

How to make an Old-Fashioned:

Add the sugar and bitters to a rocks glass, add water, and stir until sugar is almost dissolved. Fill the glass with large ice cubes, add the bourbon, and gently stir to combine. Squeeze an orange peel over the glass and drop it.

The Vieux Carré

A classic cocktail from the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans from the 1930s provides complexity and depth due to the cognac, Benedictine liqueur, and two bitters. For those who like The Manhattan and The Old- Fashioned, the Vieux Carré is the next level up. The name means “old square” in English, referring to the French Quarter.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 ounce rye whiskey.
• 3/4 ounce cognac.
• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth.
• 1 to 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
• 1 to 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters.
• 1/2 ounce Bénédictine liqueur.
• Cherry or lemon twist, garnish.

How to make a Vieux Carré:

Combine the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, bitters, and Bénédictine in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for a few seconds. Strain into a short glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon or cherry.

I hope you enjoyed this article. Feel free to comment about your favorite whiskey cocktail and choose your favorite whisky to mix here. Cheers!