The Best Whiskies To Use In Popular Cocktails

When using whisky in a cocktail, it is important to choose a good quality whisky that has a flavor profile that complements the other ingredients in the drink. For example, a smooth, fruity whisky might be a good choice for a cocktail with sweet, fruity flavors, while a bold, smoky whisky might be a better choice for a cocktail with more savory or spicy flavors.

If you are new to using whisky in cocktails, you may want to start with a classic recipe and then experiment with different whiskies to find the one that you like best. You can also try mixing whisky with different ingredients to create your own unique cocktails.

The type of whisky that should be used in a cocktail depends on the specific cocktail and the flavors you want to achieve. In general, it is best to use a lighter, more delicate whisky for cocktails that have a lot of other ingredients, as the flavors of the whisky will not be as prominent. For cocktails that are meant to showcase the flavors of the whisky, it is best to use a more robust, full-bodied whisky.

It is also worth noting that some cocktails may be better suited to using a particular type of whisky. For example, a Bourbon-based cocktail like the Old Fashioned would not be as good if made with Scotch, as the flavors of the two whiskies are quite different. Experimenting with different types of whiskies in different cocktails can help you find the perfect combination for your taste.

Here are a few popular whisky-based cocktails:

• Old Fashioned: The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with whisky (usually bourbon), sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel. It is typically served over ice in a short glass.
• Manhattan: The Manhattan is a cocktail made with whisky (usually bourbon or rye), vermouth, and bitters. It is typically served in a short glass and is often garnished with a cherry.
• Rob Roy: The Rob Roy is a variation of the Manhattan made with Scotch whisky. It is typically served in a short glass and is garnished with a cherry.
• Rusty Nail: The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail made with blended Scotch whisky and Drambuie, a honey and herb-flavored liqueur. It is a simple and easy-drinking cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter's night.
• Irish Coffee: Irish Coffee is a cocktail made with Irish whiskey, coffee, sugar, and whipped cream. It is typically served in a tall glass and is garnished with a dollop of whipped cream.
• The Penicillin: is made with smoky Scotch whisky, honey, lemon juice, and ginger, and it is served over ice. The smoky flavor of the Scotch whisky pairs well with the spicy kick of the ginger and the tartness of the lemon juice, creating a balanced and complex cocktail.

The Best Whisky For An Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is a classic whisky cocktail that is easy to make at home. Here is a basic recipe for an Old Fashioned:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whisky
• 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp of simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 orange twist or maraschino cherry (optional)
• 1 large ice cube

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube or simple syrup in a mixing glass or tumbler.
2. Add the bitters and a few drops of water to the glass.
3. Muddle the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Add the whisky to the glass.
5. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
6. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass or tumbler filled with a large ice cube.
7. Garnish with an orange twist or maraschino cherry, if desired.
8. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your personal taste. Some people like a sweeter Old Fashioned, while others prefer a drier, more bitter version. Experiment to find the balance that you like best.

Though it doesn't not need to be bourbon, the Old Fashioned is iconically made with bourbon. There are many great Bourbons that can be used in an Old Fashioned, and the best one for you will depend on your personal taste and preferences. Some popular options include:

• Bulleit Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye Bourbon with a spicy, complex flavor and a smooth, balanced finish. It is a good choice for an Old Fashioned because of its bold, flavorful character.
• Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon: Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is a blend of six different Bourbon recipes, each with its own unique flavor profile. It has a rich, mellow flavor with hints of vanilla, fruit, and spice. It is a good choice for an Old Fashioned if you prefer a softer, more nuanced Bourbon.
• Knob Creek Bourbon: Knob Creek Bourbon is a full-bodied Bourbon with a bold, spicy flavor and a long, smooth finish. It is a good choice for an Old Fashioned if you prefer a more robust Bourbon.
• Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Woodford Reserve Bourbon is a smooth, complex Bourbon with flavors of chocolate, caramel, and oak. It is a good choice for an Old Fashioned if you prefer a Bourbon with a more refined, sophisticated flavor.

Ultimately, the best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned is a matter of personal preference, so you may want to try a few different options to find the one that you like best.

The Best Whisky For A Manhattan

A Manhattan is a classic whisky cocktail that is easy to make at home. Here is a basic recipe for a Manhattan:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whisky
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 maraschino cherry (optional)
• 1 large ice cube

Instructions:

1. Combine the rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass or tumbler.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass or tumbler filled with a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, if desired.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your personal taste. Some people like a sweeter Manhattan, while others prefer a drier, more bitter version. Experiment to find the balance that you like best. You can also use bourbon instead of rye whisky if you prefer.

The Manhattan is usually made with bourbon or rye. Since we just covered good bourbons above, let's focus on rye. There are many great ryes that can be used in a Manhattan, and the best one for you will depend on your personal taste and preferences. Some popular options include:

• Bulleit Rye: Bulleit Rye is a high-rye whiskey with a spicy, complex flavor and a smooth, balanced finish. It is a good choice for a Manhattan because of its bold, flavorful character.
• Sazerac Rye: Sazerac Rye is a well-balanced rye with flavors of spice, fruit, and vanilla. It is a good choice for a Manhattan if you prefer a smoother, more nuanced rye.
• Rittenhouse Rye: Rittenhouse Rye is a bold, spicy rye with flavors of pepper, wood, and fruit. It is a good choice for a Manhattan if you prefer a more robust rye.
• Old Overholt Rye: Old Overholt Rye is a smooth, well-balanced rye with flavors of spice, fruit, and oak. It is a good choice for a Manhattan if you prefer a rye with a more refined, sophisticated flavor.

Ultimately, the best rye for a Manhattan is a matter of personal preference, so you may want to try a few different options to find the one that you like best.

The Best Whisky For A Rob Roy

A Rob Roy is a classic whisky cocktail that is similar to a Manhattan, but made with Scotch whisky instead of rye. Here is a basic recipe for a Rob Roy:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 maraschino cherry (optional)
• 1 large ice cube

Instructions:

1. Combine the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass or tumbler.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass or tumbler filled with a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, if desired.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your personal taste. Some people like a sweeter Rob Roy, while others prefer a drier, more bitter version. Experiment to find the balance that you like best. You can also use a smoky Scotch whisky, such as Laphroaig or Lagavulin, to add a smoky flavor to the cocktail.

A Rob Roy is usually made with Scotch whisky. The best Scotch for a Rob Roy is a matter of personal preference, as different people have different tastes and preferences when it comes to whisky. That being said, a good quality Scotch with a bold, full-bodied flavor is generally recommended for a Rob Roy. Some popular options include:

• Glenfiddich 12 Year Old: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is a single malt Scotch whisky with a smooth, fruity flavor and hints of oak and heather. It is a good choice for a Rob Roy because of its well-balanced flavor profile.
• Glenmorangie Original: Glenmorangie Original is a single malt Scotch whisky with flavors of vanilla, citrus, and oak. It has a smooth, creamy texture that makes it a good choice for a Rob Roy.
• Laphroaig 10 Year Old: Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a single malt Scotch whisky with a bold, smoky flavor and hints of seaweed and peat. It is a good choice for a Rob Roy if you prefer a whisky with a more intense flavor.
• Aberlour 12 Year Old: Aberlour 12 Year Old is a single malt Scotch whisky with a rich, smooth flavor and hints of fruit and spice. It has a well-balanced flavor profile that makes it a good choice for a Rob Roy.

Ultimately, the best Scotch for a Rob Roy is a matter of personal preference, so you may want to try a few different options to find the one that you like best.

The Best Whisky For A Rusty Nail

A Rusty Nail is a simple whisky cocktail that is made with Scotch whisky and Drambuie, a honey and herb-flavored liqueur. Here is a basic recipe for a Rusty Nail:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1/2 oz Drambuie
• 1 lemon twist or orange twist (optional)
• 1 large ice cube

Instructions:

1. Combine the Scotch whisky and Drambuie in a mixing glass or tumbler.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass or tumbler filled with a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist, if desired.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your personal taste. Some people prefer a stronger whisky flavor, while others like a sweeter, more liqueur-heavy Rusty Nail. Experiment to find the balance that you like best. You can also use a smoky Scotch whisky, such as Laphroaig or Lagavulin, to add a smoky flavor to the cocktail.

A rusty nail often uses blended scotch. The best blended Scotch whisky for a Rusty Nail will depend on your personal taste and the specific cocktail you are making. Some popular blended Scotches that are commonly used in cocktails include:

• Johnnie Walker Red Label: Johnnie Walker Red Label is a smooth and well-balanced blended Scotch whisky with flavors of fruit, spice, and oak. It is a versatile and widely available whisky that is a good choice for many cocktails.
• Dewar's White Label: Dewar's White Label is a smooth and well-rounded blended Scotch whisky with flavors of fruit, honey, and vanilla. It is a good choice for cocktails that are looking for a softer, more nuanced whisky.
• Chivas Regal: Chivas Regal is a smooth and well-balanced blended Scotch whisky with flavors of fruit, honey, and oak. It is a popular and widely available whisky that is a good choice for many cocktails.
• Cutty Sark: Cutty Sark is a smooth and well-rounded blended Scotch whisky with flavors of fruit, honey, and vanilla. It is a good choice for cocktails that are looking for a softer, more nuanced whisky.

Ultimately, the best blended Scotch whisky for cocktails is a matter of personal preference, so you may want to try a few different options to find the one that you like best.

The Best Whisky For Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail that combines Irish whisky, hot coffee, and whipped cream. It is a simple, yet delicious and warming drink that is perfect for cold winter nights. Here is a basic recipe for Irish Coffee:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Irish whisky
• 6 oz hot coffee
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 dollop of whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Fill a mug or heat-resistant glass with hot water to warm it up, then discard the water.
2. Add the Irish whisky and hot coffee to the mug or glass.
3. If desired, add a teaspoon of sugar to sweeten the coffee.
4. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Top the coffee with a dollop of whipped cream.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your personal taste. Some people prefer a stronger whisky flavor, while others like a sweeter Irish Coffee. Experiment to find the balance that you like best. You can also use a flavored Irish whisky, such as Bailey's Irish Cream, to add extra sweetness and flavor to the cocktail.

There are many great Irish whiskeys that can be used in an Irish Coffee, and the best one for you will depend on your personal taste and preferences. Some popular options include:

• Jameson Irish Whiskey: Jameson Irish Whiskey is a well-balanced whiskey with flavors of fruit, spice, and oak. It is a good choice for an Irish Coffee because of its smooth, easy-drinking character.
• Bushmills Irish Whiskey: Bushmills Irish Whiskey is a smooth, well-rounded whiskey with flavors of fruit, honey, and vanilla. It is a good choice for an Irish Coffee if you prefer a softer, more nuanced whiskey.
• Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey: Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey is a smooth, well-balanced whiskey with flavors of fruit, spice, and oak. It is a good choice for an Irish Coffee if you prefer a more balanced, easy-drinking whiskey.
• Redbreast Irish Whiskey: Redbreast Irish Whiskey is a full-bodied whiskey with flavors of fruit, spice, and oak. It is a good choice for an Irish Coffee if you prefer a more robust, full-flavored whiskey.

Ultimately, the best Irish whiskey for an Irish Coffee is a matter of personal preference, so you may want to try a few different options to find the one that you like best.

The Best Whisky For The Penicillin

The Penicillin is a popular whisky cocktail that was created by Sam Ross, a New York City bartender. It combines Scotch whisky, honey, lemon juice, and a smoky single malt Scotch whisky, such as Laphroaig, to create a unique and complex flavor profile. Here is a basic recipe for The Penicillin:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blended Scotch whisky
• 1 oz honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz smoky single malt Scotch whisky, such as Laphroaig
• 1 small piece of candied ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the blended Scotch whisky, honey syrup, lemon juice, and smoky single malt Scotch whisky in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with a small piece of candied ginger, if desired.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your personal taste. Some people prefer a stronger whisky flavor, while others like a sweeter Penicillin. Experiment to find the balance that you like best. You can also use a different type of smoky single malt Scotch whisky, such as Ardbeg or Lagavulin, to add a different flavor profile to the cocktail.

The Penicillin cocktail is a popular whisky cocktail that is made with a smokey Scotch whisky as the base spirit. The best smokey Scotch whisky for a Penicillin cocktail will depend on your personal taste, but some popular options include:

• Laphroaig: Laphroaig is a heavily peated Scotch whisky that is known for its strong, smoky flavor. It can add a bold, smokey character to the Penicillin cocktail.
• Lagavulin: Lagavulin is another heavily peated Scotch whisky that is known for its strong, smoky flavor. It can add a bold, smokey character to the Penicillin cocktail.
• Ardbeg: Ardbeg is a heavily peated Scotch whisky that is known for its strong, smoky flavor. It can add a bold, smokey character to the Penicillin cocktail.
• Bowmore: Bowmore is a medium-peated Scotch whisky that is known for its smoky flavor. It can add a smokey character to the Penicillin cocktail without being as bold as a heavily peated whisky.

Ultimately, the best smokey Scotch whisky for a Penicillin cocktail is a matter of personal preference, so you may want to try a few different options to find the one that you like best.

It can be difficult to know what cocktail you will like, as everyone's taste preferences are different. However, there are a few things you can try to help you find a cocktail that you enjoy:

• Consider your preferences: Think about what types of flavors you like in general, such as sweet, sour, or spicy. This can help you narrow down your options and choose a cocktail that is more likely to suit your taste.
• Start with classic cocktails: Classic cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Martini, are tried and true favorites that are loved by many people. If you are new to cocktails, these may be a good place to start.
• Ask the bartender for recommendations: Bartenders are experts at mixing drinks, and they may be able to recommend a cocktail that they think you will enjoy based on your preferences.
• Try a small portion of a new cocktail: Many bars and restaurants offer cocktails in different sizes, such as half pours or flights. If you are unsure about a new cocktail, try a small portion first to see if you like it before committing to a full glass.
• Don't be afraid to try something new: It can be fun to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You may be surprised at what you end up liking!

Remember that it is okay to not like every cocktail you try, and it is always okay to ask for a different drink if you are not satisfied.