Over here at Slightly Pretentious, we love a good Whiskey. Bourbon. Scotch. Rye. We’re pretty much on board for whatever variety you can name.
But you know what we love even more? Creating cocktails that include Whiskey.
Now, before some of you inevitably email me and say “it’s whisky, not whiskey” I’m going to nip this in the bud.
I’ve generally worked under the rule that if the country has an “E” in it’s name, you add an “E” to the word.
America? Whiskey.
Scotland? Whisky
Me being an American? We’re going with whiskey. Right or wrong, there’s the reasoning.
Now that we’ve derailed this post before it got even started, let’s jump into the much more important topic of the best whiskey cocktails you can make at home.
Old Fashioned: The Crown Jewel of Whiskey Cocktails
This was the drink that got me into classic cocktails, and to this day is one of my favorite drinks in the world.
There are a ton of variations on it, but for the whiskey lover who wants to actually taste the spirit, without having to drink it straight?
This is about as good as it gets.
Check out: How To Make An Old Fashioned
Manhattan Cocktail: A Martini for Whiskey Drinkers
It’s the end of a long day and you need something stiff.
You’re not a gin or vodka fan, so what do you do? You make yourself a Manhattan. 2 parts whiskey, 1 part sweet vermouth, some bitters – and away you go.
If a drink is going to be named after the most famous island in the world – then it better be able to live up to it. Fortunately, a well-made Manhattan most certainly does.
We’ve tested out a TON of variations to find what we think is the best version of a Manhattan cocktail. Try it out and let us know what you think.
Whiskey Sour: A Whiskey Drink for Beginners
Are you new to whiskey? Maybe you’ve never thought it was your thing? Then I bet you haven’t tried a whiskey sour.
Lemon and simple syrup help make whiskey more approachable with this absolutely delicious cocktail.
And if you do like whiskey already? Don’t worry, you’ll love it too.
Check out: How To Make A Whiskey Sour
Mint Julep: A Whiskey Drink that Should Get More Love than it Does
There aren’t many drinks that truly only get one day out of the year to shine, but with the mint julep?
That’s exactly what happens. Millions get consumed on the day of the Kentucky Derby, just to be forgotten about for another 364 days.
But for such a delicious and easy-to-make drink? You might find the mint julep to be a worthy contender for your cocktail rotation.
Check out: How To Make A Mint Julep
Sazerac Cocktail: A New-Orleans Classic
There are few drinks more worthy of the title of “classic cocktail” than the New Orleans drink, the sazerac.
This whiskey drink has notes of anise due to the Peychaud’s bitters and absinthe rinse – so if that’s a flavor you like?
Then you’ll love a sazerac.
Check out: How to make a Sazerac Cocktail
Boulevardier: A Bold Negroni Variation
Do you like negronis and Campari? Then this is for you.
Simply switch out gin for bourbon, and you have the boulevardier. It’s a strong, spirit-forward sipper that’s more of an “advanced cocktail” taste-wise.
But if you like the bitterness of the Campari, then there may not be a better drink in the world. This is one of my personal favorites.
Check out: How To Make a Boulevardier
Kentucky Mule
Summer is coming and you’re looking for a twist on one of the most refreshing cocktails on the planet: the Moscow Mule.
Luckily, this is a drink with many very simple variations, primarily involving a change in the primary spirit involved.
Let’s start by traveling 5,100 miles west from Moscow to Kentucky and swap out the vodka for bourbon.
Check out: How To Make A Kentucky Mule
Just don’t overlook the ginger beer you buy, as it makes even more of a difference than your chosen spirit.
Oh, or the copper mugs. Gotta have a copper mug.
Looking for More Drink Recommendations?
If these aren’t doing it for you, here are some other ones to consider:
- Great Cocktails: 20+ of the best drinks you can make at home
- Best Summer Cocktails: 10 Delicious and Refreshing Summer Drinks
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