Whisky cocktails are some of the easiest classic drinks to make at home. Most need only whisky, a sweetener, bitters or citrus, and ice. This guide covers 10 popular whisky cocktails, with simple recipes, which whisky to use and what you need to stock your home bar in New Zealand.
Your Whisky Cocktail Shopping List
- Bourbon: Buffalo Trace or Maker's Mark
- Rye whiskey: spicier, ideal for a Manhattan or Sazerac. See our American whiskey range
- Scotch: Johnnie Walker Black Label or a smooth blended Scotch
- Irish whiskey: Jameson
- Bitters and vermouth: Angostura bitters and sweet vermouth
- Fresh lemons, sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water), oranges, mint and good ice
1. Old Fashioned
60ml bourbon or rye, 1 tsp sugar syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, orange peel. Stir with ice in a mixing glass, strain over a large ice cube and express the orange peel over the top. The ultimate whisky cocktail: simple, rich and spirit-forward.
2. Manhattan
50ml rye or bourbon, 25ml sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, cherry. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Rye gives a spicier drink, bourbon a softer, sweeter one.
3. Whisky Sour
50ml bourbon, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup, egg white (optional). Shake hard without ice, then shake again with ice and strain over fresh ice. Egg white gives a silky foam.
4. Mint Julep
60ml bourbon, 10ml sugar syrup, 8 to 10 mint leaves, crushed ice. Gently press the mint with the syrup, add bourbon, fill with crushed ice and stir until frosty. Top with a mint sprig.
5. Whisky Highball
45ml Scotch or Japanese whisky, 120ml chilled soda water, lemon twist. Build over plenty of ice in a tall glass and stir once. Light, refreshing and perfect for a New Zealand summer. Try it with Japanese whisky.
6. Penicillin
50ml blended Scotch, 20ml lemon juice, 20ml honey-ginger syrup, 7ml smoky Islay Scotch. Shake the first three with ice, strain over ice and float the Islay whisky on top. A modern classic with smoke, honey and spice.
7. Rob Roy
50ml Scotch, 25ml sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Stir and strain into a chilled glass. Essentially a Scotch Manhattan.
8. Irish Coffee
40ml Irish whiskey, 1 tsp brown sugar, hot coffee, lightly whipped cream. Stir the sugar into the coffee and whiskey, then float cream over the back of a spoon. A favourite for winter nights.
9. Boulevardier
30ml bourbon, 30ml Campari, 30ml sweet vermouth. Stir with ice and strain over ice. A whisky twist on the Negroni.
10. Sazerac
60ml rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp syrup, 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters, absinthe rinse, lemon peel. Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe, stir the rest with ice, strain into the glass and express the lemon peel. Bold and aromatic.
Tips for Better Whisky Cocktails
- Stir drinks that are all spirit (Old Fashioned, Manhattan) and shake drinks with citrus (Whisky Sour, Penicillin).
- Use large, clear ice for drinks served on the rocks so they dilute slowly.
- Keep vermouth in the fridge once opened.
- Measure with a jigger. Balance matters more than expensive whisky.
Want more? Try our winter cocktails, Margarita, Mojito and Hugo Spritz recipes, or browse ready-made cocktail bundles.
Buy Whisky for Cocktails Online in NZ
Shop bourbon, Scotch, Irish whiskey and vermouth and aperitifs at Whiskey Online. Many of our spirits are direct imported and sold at wholesale prices. We deliver throughout New Zealand. Delivery is included on orders over $250. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol. See our shipping and refund policy.
FAQs
What is the most popular whisky cocktail?
The Old Fashioned is the most popular whisky cocktail in the world, followed by the Whisky Sour and the Manhattan.
What is the best whisky for an Old Fashioned?
Bourbon or rye whiskey around 45% ABV works best. Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve are all great choices.
Can I use Scotch in whisky cocktails?
Yes. Blended Scotch works well in a Highball, Rob Roy and Penicillin. Save heavily peated Scotch for small amounts, as it can dominate a drink.
What is an easy whisky cocktail for beginners?
The Whisky Highball is the easiest: whisky, soda water and ice. The Whisky Sour is another crowd-pleaser.
Please drink responsibly. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol in New Zealand.