Don’t avoid some of the tastiest drinks just because you’re not a ‘whiskey person’. We promise there’s something here for everyone.
James Acaster, British comedian and podcaster (Off Menu is brilliant, if you haven’t listened!) often recalls his bitter disappointment when he first tried whiskey (or whisky, depending on the style). Fooled by industry buzzwords like toffee, caramel and smokiness, he believed – or maybe hoped – that whiskey would taste more like a whiskey cocktail and less like a spirit. And let's face it, who hasn’t fallen prey to a similar deception? It’s a pretty universal experience. Your first sip of a whiskey can be a bit of a shock, and it might sour you on the drink for a long time afterwards. But don’t give up! Mastering the art of sipping whiskey neat (and actually enjoying it) is an unparalleled experience.
We look at it like this: whiskey – like coffee, olives and oysters – takes time to grow on your tastebuds. Nobody takes a gulp of a double espresso as their first taste of coffee and thinks “yum.” There’s a reason people recommend starting with something a bit sweeter, a bit more palatable, like a mocha. The same goes for whiskey. Irish whiskey, bourbon and even certain styles of Scotch are gentler entry points – sweeter, lighter and without that intense smokiness that can put people off in the beginning. Even better, try mixing them into a sweeter-style cocktail, so you can taste those whiskey flavours without overpowering your palate.
So, with this in mind, we’ve rounded up a few of our fave whiskey cocktails that are perfect for those starting their whiskey journey, or even those who just don't like whiskey.
Starting off strong, we have the Irish Maid cocktail. This little number is an interesting take on famous bartender Sam Ross’s Kentucky Maid cocktail, subbing the bourbon for Irish whiskey. It is deliciously light, floral and super refreshing. Irish whiskey is distilled three times, making the spirit pretty mellow and smooth compared to other whiskies. Because it’s so palatable, it lends itself a lot better to these lighter-styled cocktails. Just add your Irish whiskey, lemon juice, elderflower cordial, sugar syrup and ice to the shaker, and shake vigorously. Strain over ice and garnish with a couple of cucumber slices.
Mix it with: Writer’s Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey
Another Irish contender for the line-up, we have the much-loved Tipperary cocktail. This pre-prohibition sweetheart is actually a twist on a famous Harry Johnson cocktail the Bijou – it just swaps out the gin for Irish whiskey. The Tipperary is a very intricate-tasting cocktail. It’s sweet and herbal, yet fruity and smooth, making it perfect for a nightcap tipple. It is also super easy to make. Simply add your ingredients to a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a fancy glass and garnish with a lemon and orange twist, and hey presto! You’ve got yourself a Tipperary.
Mix it with: Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Yes, Australia makes whiskey and, yes, it’s super delicious. But if you’re not yet keen on sipping it neat, we suggest shaking it up in a cocktail. And there is no better Aussie whiskey cocktail than the aptly named Aussie Derby Fizz. It’s essentially a Derby Fizz, but instead of some run-of-the-mill whiskey, it showcases a wonder from Down Under. It’s very similar to a Whiskey Sour, but with a splash of soda water to give it that fizz. This recipe calls for egg whites, which means you need to really shake the cocktail (like a lot) to get that signature foamy cap. Dump your whiskey, triple sec, lemon juice, bitters and egg white into a shaker, seal it and shake without ice. Once you’ve shaken for a good amount of time, add ice and shake again. Double strain into a tall glass and top with soda – that should make the foam rise just above the lip of the glass. Yum!
Mix it with: The Gospel Straight Australian Rye Whiskey
Let us acquaint you with the prettiest cocktail on the block, the New York Sour. It’s essentially a Whiskey Sour, but with a delicious little red wine-float on top. We know what you're thinking – red wine on top of a whiskey cocktail? Hear us out. The red wine float not only enhances the drink’s fruitiness, but also makes it undeniably prettier. Plus, it’s a very good way to use up an opened bottle of red wine. Because this drink requires a float (liquid gently sitting on the top of liquid), we’re going to walk you through how to do it properly. Once you’re done with your shaking and your double straining, pour your 15mL of red wine into a jig and get your bar spoon (or any spoon) ready. Slowly pour your red wine over the back side of your spoon onto the top of the drink. This will spread the liquid across a greater surface area allowing your red wine to sit on the top of the cocktail for that beautiful layered effect. Hot tip: keep the spoon is super close to the drink, pouring it from a height won’t work.
Mix it with: Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey
If you like cider, then you’re going to love the Marble and Lace. It's a fruity, fizzy take on the classic Julep and definitely one for high rotation. The cider gives it a delightful bubble, the Irish whiskey is smooth and mellow, while the lime juice ties everything together. Want to know what’s best about this cocktail (apart from the taste of course)? It is damn easy to make. You just build it in the glass. But we do have to stress – be gentle with your fresh mint. You can muddle your mint and gently stir it, but don’t go bashing it around in the glass, you’ll bruise and tear it, and that’s just yucky.
Mix it with: Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey
We reckon if you offer a friend a Christmas Whisky Flip without telling them what’s in it, they’ll love it. We also reckon the moment you tell them there is a whole egg in it, you’ll get the ‘bleurgh’ face. But, we reassure you, this drink is a creamy, smooth whisky delight. Once again, the main liquor used in this beverage is whisky, this time Scotch. However, by incorporating amaretto (an almond-flavoured liqueur) and a whole egg, the distinct taste of the Scotch is subdued, but still perceptible, resulting in a beautiful creamy, spicy cocktail. Perfect as a li’l nightcap or dessert substitution.
Mix it with: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Those who drink Boulevardiers are simply better than everyone else. We’re sorry, we don’t make the rules. It’s just one of those deeply cool drinks that you’ll find in the paws of someone like Stanley Tucci or a Tilda Swinton-esque figure. Why, you ask? We don’t know. It just oozes “I know how to drink well”. It could be because the Boulevardier is not as popular as its brother the Negroni, making it a real ‘alt’ drink. Although, the only difference between the two is that the gin is subbed for bourbon – they’re even made the same way! But you’ll be getting that beautiful punchy spice and caramel sweetness from the bourbon you wouldn’t otherwise get in an OG Negroni.
Mix it with: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
