15 Whiskey Cocktail Recipes to Try

These essential whiskey cocktails run the gamut from classic Old Fashioneds and Rusty Nails to new whiskey twists on the Bloody Mary.

April 29, 2020

By: Felicia Feaster

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Sazerac

The Sazerac is often referred to as the oldest American cocktail dating back to the pre-Civil War era. It has seen its share of changes, including the substitution of anise flavored spirits when absinthe was banned in the U.S. in 1912. Because of that, you may see some variation in recipes, but the basics remain.

Get the Recipe: Sazerac Cocktail Recipe

Whiskey Buck Cocktail

This simple, retro cocktail made with Irish whiskey and lime juice adds a modern twist with homemade grapefruit syrup.

Get the Recipe: Whiskey Buck Cocktail Recipe

Pitchfork Punch

Named for the blackberry brambles that poke and stick, Pitchfork Punch is full of bourbon, blackberries and tea scented with a fresh mint syrup.

Get the Recipe: Botanical Punch Recipes

Irish Mexican Coffee

This warm cocktail is topped with whiskey-infused whipped cream.

Get the Recipe: Irish Mexican Coffee With Whiskey Whipped Cream

Bloody Rosemary Cocktail

Add a twist to the classic Bloody Mary cocktail by adding stout and Irish whiskey.

Get the Recipe: Bloody Rosemary Cocktail Recipe

Manhattan

A classic American cocktail, the Manhattan traditionally combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters.

Get the Recipe: Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Frozen Mint Julep

A frozen Mint Julep cocktail is a fun spin on a traditional beverage.

Get the Recipe: Frozen Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

Quittin' Time

This hot cocktail courtesy of High West Distillery & Saloon in Park City, Utah, combines whiskey and spiced lemonade.

Get the Recipe: Hot Cocktail: Whiskey + Spiced Lemonade

Whisky Sour

The Whiskey Sour cocktail's origins can be traced back to the 1800s and it endures as a beloved three-ingredient (bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup) cocktail today.

Get the Recipe: Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

The Old Fashioned

An eternal cocktail combining whiskey (most often rye or bourbon) and a classic orange slice and maraschino cherry garnish, the Old Fashioned is one of the most adaptable and versatile cocktails around.

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Hot Toddy

This classic combination of whiskey, lemon and honey is the perfect complement to rich desserts.

Get the Recipe: Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Vieux Carre

Head bartender Water Bergeron created the Vieux Carre ("Old Square," another name for the French Quarter) at New Orleans' Hotel Monteleone in the late '30s. With rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and Angostura and Peychaud's bitters, it's the perfect order at the hotel’s historic Carousel Bar & Lounge.

Pickleback

It's hard to think of an easier whiskey "cocktail" recipe than the Pickleback, basically a shot of whiskey followed by a shot glass chaser of pickle juice.

Get the Recipe: 8 Legit Ways to Reuse Pickle Juice

Rusty Nail

Today, renewed interest in mixology and classic drinks is helping the Rusty Nail make a comeback. The combination of blended scotch whiskey and Drambuie makes for a drink with a little sweetness and a little bite.

Get the Recipe: Rusty Nail Recipe

Boozy Berry Patch Lemonade

This big-batch cocktail combines summer's favorite fruits — blackberries and strawberries — with whiskey and tart lemonade for a not-too-sweet sip that tastes like summer in a glass. Serve it in a punch bowl, pitcher or large beverage dispenser.

Get the Recipe: Big-Batch Cocktail: Boozy Berry Patch Lemonade