Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with an incredible variety of whiskey cocktails. Whether you’re a fan of cozy flavors or crave something invigorating, whiskey cocktails have got you covered all year round. And with summer just around the corner, we’ve curated a collection of 16 refreshing whiskey cocktails that will have you indulging in whiskey bliss. Crafted with different whiskeys and delightful mixers, these are the must-have drinks to embrace the spirit of summer. Cheers to an unforgettable season of sipping and savoring!
What Type of Whiskey to Use?
Whiskey encompasses a diverse family of spirits made by distilling fermented grains. There’s the well-known bourbon, Scotch, rye, and Irish whiskey. But countries around the world also produce their own whiskeys, like Canada, Japan, and Australia. The flavor can range from sweet to spicy and smooth to strong, depending on how and where the whiskey is made.
A whiskey cocktail can have an equally wide range in flavors when paired with citrus, sweet, bitter, or herbaceous flavors. These mixed drinks can be spirit-forward or balanced — not every whiskey cocktail will taste overwhelmingly like whiskey, and some are made low-proof. There’s a whiskey cocktail for everyone to enjoy this summer.
1. Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash, a relative of the classic Mint Julep, offers a delightful alternative with its own unique charm. This refreshing summer cocktail brings together the vibrant notes of citrus, invigorating mint, and the rich character of whiskey. It promises a delightful experience for both devoted whiskey aficionados and those wanting to explore the world of whiskey.
2. Irish Maid
Experience the delightful flavors of the Irish Maid, a whiskey cocktail that boasts a wonderfully light and invigorating taste. This unique variation of the classic Kentucky Maid combines the crispness of muddled cucumber, the floral notes of St-Germain, the zing of citrus, the sweetness of simple syrup, and the distinctive character of Irish whiskey. Indulge in this irresistible drink all summer long, and let its refreshing allure transport you to a world of whiskey bliss.
3. Old Gal
Old Gal is a delightful twist on the classic Old Pal cocktail. It combines the richness of rye whiskey, the subtle sweetness of bianco vermouth, and the boldness of Campari to create a drink that is both smooth and full of character. Served Negroni-style with a single slow-melting ice cube, this whiskey cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast or lover of unique flavors.
4. Prince of Wales
It’s believed that Prince Albert, the future King Edward VII, created this cocktail before ascending the throne. It’s the perfect mix of spicy rye, aromatic bitters, silky maraschino liqueur, tropical pineapple, and sparkling champagne. The sophisticated drink is sure to elevate a summer cocktail hour.
5. SeelBach
The bourbon-based Kentucky cocktail crafted by the renowned Seelbach Hotel in Louisville is a captivating libation. Its delightful combination of Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters, along with the addition of orange liqueur and champagne, creates an enticing and visually appealing drink.
6. Kentucky Buck
Indulge in a refreshing summer drink that captures the essence of relaxation. While not originating from the picturesque state of Kentucky, the Kentucky Buck shines with the infusion of smooth bourbon. Embellished with lusciously crushed strawberries, tangy lemon juice, sweet simple syrup, zesty ginger beer, and a dash of Angostura, this exquisite concoction promises to delight your taste buds in every sip.
7. John Collins
The John Collins, a whiskey riff on the traditional gin-based Tom Collins, is a delightful bourbon-infused cocktail that embodies a light and gentle potency. This simple libation harmoniously blends the foundational of bourbon with zesty lemon juice, a hint of sweetness, and effervescent soda water. Crafting this effervescent and invigorating beverage is an absolute breeze, ensuring an relaxing and refreshing experience for all whiskey enthusiasts.
8. Paper Plane
The Paper Plane cocktail takes inspiration from the timeless Last Word and has even influenced another contemporary favorite, the Naked and Famous. By combining bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice in equal parts, the Paper Plane achieves a delightful harmony of bitter, sweet, and citrus flavors. It’s the ultimate choice for those seeking a perfectly balanced whiskey cocktail.
9. Tipsy Palmer
This simply made, low-proof cocktail is an ideal summer drink, perfect for enjoying on a hot afternoon poolside or taken to-go on the golf course. It takes the classic half-iced tea & half-lemonade drink and adds a dash of bourbon to give it that “Kentucky Hug.”
10. Brown Derby
The Brown Derby stands out from other whiskey cocktails due to its delightful and invigorating taste. Perfect for brunch, this beverage combines the smoothness of bourbon, a touch of honey, and the zesty kick of grapefruit juice.
11. 7 and 7
Perhaps the most simply made cocktail on the list, the 7 and 7 requires minimal effort and is low-proof. Mix whiskey and lemon and lime soda in a glass for a summer cocktail ideal to quench your thirst on a sunny summer afternoon.
12. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a delightful cocktail that combines the rich taste of bourbon with a perfect blend of sweetness and the zesty kick of citrus and ginger beer spice. It’s an incredibly refreshing drink that can be effortlessly prepared right in your glass, so you don’t have to worry about complicated mixing techniques. Even if you don’t have a copper mug, a highball glass will work just as well.
13. New York Sour
The splashy eye-catching cocktail, the New York Sour, takes the classic Whiskey Sour and adds a “float” of red wine on top. Its flavor is dry and citrus-sweet, a refreshingly sophisticated ode to summer. While not traditionally served with an egg white like other sours, some enjoy the smoother, blended flavor by adding one.
14. Mamie Taylor
The Mamie Taylor cocktail, named after the renowned actress Mayme Taylor, is a delightful libation with a curious misspelling. Its origins trace back as a probable precursor to the Moscow Mule. Crafting this drink is a breeze, with just three essential ingredients: Scotch, ginger beer, and lime juice. The velvety notes of vanilla found in blended Scotch beautifully complement the invigorating kick of ginger beer, setting it apart from other Mules.
15. Man O’ War
Named in honor of one of the greatest racehorses of all time, the Man o’ War packs a powerful kick softened by citrus flavors. This whiskey cocktail combines bourbon, orange liqueur, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice, creating a balanced but deceptively potent drink.
16. Presbyterian
