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The classic whiskey cocktails I always come back to (and you should know too)

If whiskey is your thing, you must know how to whip up these classic cocktails

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An Old Fashioned whiskey cocktail at a bar
Steven Miller / Flickr

Did you know whiskey has been a cornerstone of cocktail culture since the 1800s? From smoky Scotch to spicy rye, it’s the spirit behind some of the most enduring drinks in mixology.

Ever wonder why so many of the classic cocktails out there involve whiskey? Because the spirit is versatile, it comes in various forms (rye, bourbon, Scotch, etc.) and takes kindly to several complementary ingredients. And while there are countless recipes you should explore, there are five you really must know.

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Yes, like classic gin cocktails or classic tequila cocktails, classic whiskey cocktails are combinations you should know by heart and work to perfect with little tweaks here and there. They get adorned with the classic name because the combinations are tried and true, standing the test of time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them, as we always encourage you to play around with things like whiskey type, liqueur type, bitters type, and more. They’re classics, sure, but they can still be tailor made for your own palate.

Here are six classic whiskey cocktail recipes you must have in your repertoire.

Old Fashioned: The original whiskey cocktail that never goes out of style

Making an old fashioned cocktail
Dan Baker / The Manual

A cocktail so classic, it has been around for over 100 years. The Old Fashioned combines the sweetness of sugar, the acid of citrus, and the deep flavor of bourbon, making for one iconic cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 3-4 dashes bitters (Angostura or Orange)
  • 1 sugar cube
  • A few drops of water
  • Orange peel

Method

  1. In an Old Fashioned glass, add cocktail bitters, sugar cube, and water.
  2. Stir.
  3. Add bourbon and ice and stir.
  4. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in the glass.

Pro tip: Chill your glass before building the drink to keep it cold longer. (Use the freezer for 20–30 minutes.)

Recommended Whiskey: Russell’s Reserve 10-Year Bourbon

Whiskey sour: A classic bourbon cocktail with a zesty citrus kick

Whiskey sour cocktail
Dan Baker / The Manual

Wait, you’ve never enjoyed a Whiskey Sour that wasn’t made from a pre-made mix? Then you’ve never had a REAL Whiskey sour. While mixes have their place; for a classic Whiskey Sour experience, you need to follow this recipe. And if you’re questioning the egg white, don’t; it’s there to combine with the lemon to produce the foamy head Whiskey Sours are famous for.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • Cherry for garnish

Method

  1. In a shaker tin, add all ingredients except for ice.
  2. Dry shake for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Add ice and shake again.
  4. Double strain into a chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

Pro tip: Pre-whisk egg white before adding to the shaker for smoother, more stable foam.

Recommended Whiskey: Bulleit Bourbon

Sazerac: New Orleans’ signature rye whiskey and absinthe cocktail

A glass with Sazerac on a dimly lit table
Rachel Dennis / The Manual

At first glance, the Sazarec, which originated in New Orleans, is virtually the same as an Old Fashioned, but it’s got some very specific differences. First, a Sazerac uses rye, while an Old Fashioned uses bourbon. Also, a Sazerac has the extra step of rinsing the glass with absinthe, which brings out the flavor of the bitters.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1/4 ounce absinthe
  • 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 1 sugar cube
  • A few drops of water
  • Lemon peel 

Method

  1. Rinse a pre-chilled Old Fashioned glass with absinthe, then add crushed ice and set it aside.
  2. Stir bitters, sugar, and water together.
  3. Add rye whiskey and ice and stir.
  4. Discard the ice and absinthe from the Old Fashioned glass and strain the whiskey into the glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Pro tip: Rinse, don’t soak, with absinthe—a quick rinse adds aroma without overpowering the rye.

Recommended Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Sazerac Rye (100‑Proof)

Rob Roy: The scotch Manhattan you need to know

Rob Roy cocktail with cherry garnish
Christian Kargl / Getty Images

First made in New York City at the end of the 19th century, the Rob Roy was named after an operetta based on the life of Scottish hero Rob Roy MacGregor, which had just premiered. The drink is similar to a Manhattan, but with one significant difference — it uses Scotch instead of rye whiskey.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Scotch whisky
  • 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 3-4 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Cherry for garnish

Method

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir.
  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

Pro tip: Stir, don’t shake—mirroring how other spirit-forward drinks like the Manhattan are treated ensures clarity and smoothness.

Recommended Whiskey: Ballantine’s 10-Year Old Blended Scotch

Manhattan: The timeless rye whiskey and vermouth classic

Manhattan cocktail
Dan Baker / The Manual

Another drink from the late 18th century, the Manhattan, not surprisingly, was invented in New York City.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Cherry for garnish

Method

  1. Stir liquid ingredients together with ice.
  2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  3. Garnish with a cherry.

Pro tip: Experiment with bitters—Angostura is classic, but orange or chocolate bitters add aromatic layering.

Recommended Whiskey: Rittenhouse Rye (Bottled-in-Bond)

Hot toddy: The ultimate warm whiskey drink for cold nights

Hot toddy recipe
Anfisa Kameneva / EyeEm / Getty Images

So far, all of our cocktails have been served over ice, but what if you’re looking for something to warm you up on a cold night (or if you’re really old-school, help soothe a cough or sore throat)? Then look no further than the classic hot toddy.

Ingredients

  • Boiling water
  • 2 ounces whiskey (Scotch, bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey depending on your preference)
  • 3/4 ounce honey
  • 1 lemon peel
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional: You can also use whole star anise)

Method

  1. Fill a 6-ounce mug (or heatproof glass) with boiling water and set aside for 1 minute.
  2. Once the minute has passed, discard the water and add the whiskey and honey to the glass.
  3. Top with boiling water and stir until the honey dissolves.
  4. Garnish and enjoy.

Pro tip: Pre-warm the mug or glass to keep the drink hot for longer.

Recommended Whiskey: Michter’s US1 Bourbon

Ready to try your hand at mixing these legends? Start with the one that speaks to your taste — then tweak the ingredients and make it your own.

Mark Stock
Mark Stock
Contributor
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
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