Are you getting excited about International Whiskey Day? So are we! Whether a cocktail connoisseur or a whiskey newbie, our handpicked selection of 9 whiskey based cocktails will turn your celebrations into a memorable escapade. Get ready to impress your taste buds and guests with these extraordinary concoctions from around the globe.
Basil Hayden Bourbon Punch
Whiskey punch has never been more inviting than with this Bourbon Punch recipe. Perfect for any celebration or when you simply want to savor something extraordinary, this recipe combines a symphony of flavors that promise to leave your guests wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 750ml bottle of Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 cup of sweet vermouth
- ½ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of orange liqueur
- 20 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 cup of tart cherry juice
- 2 cups of soda water
- 2 oranges, sliced into wheels
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- Ice
Instructions: Combine sweet vermouth, bitters, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a pitcher or punch bowl. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add the rest of the ingredients (except soda) and stir to combine. Top with soda just before serving.
Proper Irish Redhead
This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful mix. Blood orange juice provides a unique and vibrant twist on a whiskey sour. It’s perfect for a casual gathering or a refined drink at any celebration.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
- A splash of sour mix
- Blood orange juice
- Ice
- Fresh orange slice for garnish
Directions: In a Collins glass, pour 2 oz Proper No. Twelve and a splash of sour mix over ice. Top with blood orange juice. Garnish with a fresh orange slice.
Alabama Sour Cocktail
A refreshing twist on a classic sour, this drink features Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whiskey, a burst of raspberry, and the tangy appeal of a sweet and sour mix. It is perfect for sipping on a warm day or as a vibrant addition to any cocktail party.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whiskey
- 0.5 oz Raspberry Vodka
- 5 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
- Ice
- Garnish:
- Cherries
- Mint leaves
- A lemon wheel
Instructions: Prepare your shaker by adding a generous amount of ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour whiskey, raspberry vodka, and sweet and sour mix into the shaker. Combining whiskey and raspberry vodka brings a distinctive twist to the sour profile. Secure the lid on your shaker and give it a vigorous shake. This chills the drink and mixes the ingredients thoroughly, emulsifying them into a smooth, cohesive blend. Strain over fresh ice in a highball glass. Garnish and enjoy.
Blackberry Whisky Sour
Dive into a tangy blend of refined flavors with this cocktail featuring Crown Royal
Fine De Luxe. This cocktail combines the smooth essence of whiskey with the rich, fruity notes of blackberry brandy and the crisp zest of fresh lemon juice. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a fruity twist on a classic whiskey sour.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Crown Royal Fine De Luxe
- 1 oz Blackberry Brandy
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Fresh blackberries (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions: In a shaker, combine Crown Royal Fine De Luxe, blackberry brandy, and fresh lemon juice with a handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the mixture for a smoother flavor. Strain the concoction into a rock glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wedge on the rim of the glass.
Honey Smoked Old Fashioned
This recipe elevates the classic Old Fashioned with a sweet, smoky twist. It features Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a unique oak-smoked honey syrup. It is perfect for those who appreciate a cocktail with depth and character.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Oak Smoked Honey Simple Syrup
- 5 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: Orange Peel
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir for 20 seconds. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist. Smoke the cocktail with a cocktail smoker.
St-Rémy Signature Banana Street Cocktail
Immerse yourself in the inviting warmth of this cocktail, blending the unique flavors of St-Rémy Signature with roasted banana and clove, complemented by the depth of rye whiskey and an intriguing hint of absinthe.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces St-Rémy Signature
- ½ ounce rye whiskey
- ¾ ounce roasted banana/clove-rich syrup
- 2 dashes of pimento bitters
- 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
- Absinthe
Instructions: Begin by flame-rinsing your glass with absinthe. Stir together St-Rémy Signature, rye whiskey, roasted banana/clove-rich syrup, pimento bitters, and aromatic bitters with cracked ice in a mixing glass. Strain over a large cube into the prepared glass. Garnish your cocktail with a brûléed spiced banana wheel.
Easy, Now Party Punch
Brighten any gathering with this vibrant party punch. It balances the warmth of Fraser & Thompson North American Whiskey with the tangy sweetness of pomegranate and orange and the fizz of Prosecco. Serves: 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces Fraser & Thompson North American Whiskey
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 (750 ml) bottle of Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
- Arils from 1 pomegranate
Instructions: Combine the whiskey, pomegranate juice, orange zest, and orange juice in a large pitcher. Chill the mixture until you’re ready to serve. Before serving, add ice to the punch bowl and pour the chilled mixture over it. Top with the chilled Prosecco and sprinkle with pomegranate arils. Serve immediately.
Manhattan
This is a time-honored cocktail with a twist. This version substitutes traditional whiskey with Ron del Barrilito Three Stars, offering a unique depth and character that beautifully meshes with the bitter and sweet elements of the classic Manhattan.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Ron del Barrilito Three Stars
- ¾ oz. sweet vermouth
- 3 dashes of orange bitters
- 3 dashes of chocolate bitters
- Garnish: Maraschino cherry
Instructions: Combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, orange bitters, and chocolate bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir the mixture well to chill and dilute. Strain the cocktail into your glass of choice, either a chilled martini or a lowball, over a large ice cube. Complete the presentation with a maraschino cherry for garnish.
Make Me Blush
This cocktail is as charming to the eyes as it is delicious to the taste. Its blend of salted caramel whiskey, citrus juices, and red wine creates an unforgettable beverage.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz red wine
- 1/2 oz agave
- 1/2 oz grapefruit soda
Instructions: Combine whiskey, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, red wine, and agave in a cocktail shaker with ice. Please give it a good shake to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Strain this vibrant blend into a coupe glass. Top off your creation with a splash of grapefruit soda. Garnish with a dried lemon slice or an edible flower.
Better Lovers
Crafted by Troy Sinatra, bartender at Rosie’s in Loveland, CO, this delightful cocktail is an enchanting blend of floral and sweet notes designed to captivate the senses.
Ingredients:
- 1.50 oz Root Shoot Whiskey
- .50 oz cardamaro
- .50 oz honey hibiscus syrup
- .50 oz rose water
- Chamomile
- Aquafaba
- Expressed lemon peel for garnish
- Additional chamomile for garnish
Instructions: Add whiskey, cardamaro, honey hibiscus syrup, rose water, chamomile, and aquafaba into a shaker. Shake well to combine all the flavors and achieve a nice froth from the aquafaba. Strain the mix into a chilled cocktail glass to cool the senses before the first sip.