Our Favorite Whiskey Cocktails for Parties and Get Togethers

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned cocktail is a time-honored classic. To prepare it, place a sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass at first. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the sugar cube, adjusting the quantity based on personal preference. Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters to dissolve it.

Next, pour 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes and gently stir the mixture to meld the flavors without diluting the drink excessively. Finally, express the oils from an orange peel by holding it over the glass, giving it a twist, and dropping it into the cocktail as a garnish.

2. Mint Julep

Crafting a Mint Julep is a refreshing and classic endeavor. In a silver or pewter cup, muddle fresh mint leaves with a teaspoon of sugar to release their aromatic oils.

Add crushed ice to the cup and pour 2.5 ounces of bourbon over the ice, allowing the chill to permeate the spirit. Gently stir and add crushed ice forming a snow-capped mound in the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, allowing its fragrance to enhance each sip.

Related: Good Bourbon Cocktails To Elevate Your Home Bar

3. Whiskey Sour

Concocting a Whiskey Sour is a delightful venture into the world of balanced flavors. Begin by combining 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey with 3/4 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. To sweeten the mix, add 1/2 to 3/4 ounces of simple syrup, adjusting to taste preferences.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to achieve a frothy and well-chilled blend. Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, ensuring a smooth and refreshing texture. Optionally, garnish with a slice of lemon or a cherry for a touch of visual appeal. 

4. Manhattan

The Manhattan stands as a symbol of refinement and remains a fixture among the classics in the world of cocktails. Begin by combining 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.

Stir the ingredients for about 30 seconds to achieve the desired chill and dilution. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini or coupe glass, revealing a rich amber hue. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, adding a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the ensemble.

5. Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail Served over ice in a no-nonsense rocks glass delivers a balanced and potent sip. Begin by combining 2 ounces of Scotch whisky, preferably a peaty variety, with 1 ounce of Drambuie, honey and herbal-infused liqueur in the ice-filled glass.

The proportions can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences. Stir the ingredients gently to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.

6. Highball

Creating a Highball is a straightforward yet refreshing journey. Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour 2 ounces of your preferred spirit, the whiskey, into the glass.

Top it off with chilled club soda, ginger ale, or another sparkling mixer of your choice. Stir gently to incorporate the ingredients and chill the concoction. Optionally, garnish with a wedge of citrus or a twist to enhance the drink's visual appeal.

Also read: Diet-Friendly Cocktails That Don't Skimp on Flavor

7. Boulevardier

Boulevardier is for those who enjoy the boldness of a Negroni but prefer the character of whiskey over gin. Begin by combining 1.5 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 1 ounce of Campari in a mixing glass filled with ice.

Stir the ingredients for about 30 seconds to achieve a well-chilled and harmonious blend. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice, unveiling a captivating deep-red hue. You may also express the oils from an orange peel over the drink to add a citrusy aroma.

8. Blood and Sand

In the realm of cocktails, Blood and Sand stands out as a classic with a unique name. Commence by combining 3/4 ounces of Scotch whisky, 3/4 ounces of sweet vermouth, 3/4 ounces of cherry brandy, and 3/4 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 

Shake the concoction vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to ensure a well-incorporated and frothy mixture. Strain the blend into a chilled coupe glass, revealing a rich and enticing hue.

9. Whiskey Smash

The Whiskey Smash is a bright and refreshing cocktail, perfect for warmer months. Begin by placing a handful of fresh mint leaves and half a lemon, cut into wedges, in a cocktail shaker. Add 3/4 ounce of simple syrup to the mix. Muddle the ingredients gently to release the mint's aromatic oils and extract the lemon juice.

Pour 2 ounces of bourbon into the shaker, adding a robust and rich base to the concoction. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Strain the vibrant mixture into a rock glass filled with crushed ice.

10. Black Velvet

The Black Velvet cocktail is a simple yet indulgent drink. To prepare this luxurious libation, fill a chilled champagne flute halfway with your favorite Irish stout, such as Guinness.

Gently float an equal part of Irish whiskey on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon or using a layering tool to create a distinct separation. The result is a visually striking cocktail that perfectly balances the velvety, dark beer with the warmth and complexity of the whiskey.

11. Sazerac

The Sazerac, a venerable classic cocktail hailing from New Orleans, pays homage to the city's rich cocktail heritage. In a mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Peychaud's Bitters, adding a touch of water to dissolve the sugar. Add a generous measure of rye whiskey to the mixture. 

Stir the concoction thoroughly to achieve a proper chill and dilution. Take a chilled old-fashioned glass and strain the whiskey, sugar, and bitters mixture, expressing a lemon twist over the top for its citrusy oils.

12. Godfather

There are many variations of the Godfather, but the classic recipe calls for equal parts Scotch and amaretto. Served on a rock glass, its name is likely a reference to the popular film "The Godfather". Some variations include using a twist of orange peel as a garnish or adding a dash of Angostura bitters for a more complex flavor.

13. Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is a comforting and soothing warm cocktail, perfect for chilly evenings or when feeling under the weather. In a warmed heat-resistant glass, add 2 ounces of whiskey, a tablespoon of honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Top it off with hot water, stir well, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

14. Penicillin

The Penicillin cocktail is a modern classic that artfully blends smoky, sweet, and citrusy flavors. Start by simmering water, honey, and ginger for a homemade honey-ginger syrup, infusing warmth and spice. In a shaker, combine blended Scotch, fresh lemon juice, and the prepared syrup.

Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a rock glass filled with fresh ice. For an optional smokey layer, slowly pour Islay single malt Scotch over a spoon, letting it float atop the drink.

15. Whiskey Cobbler

Whip up a delightful Whiskey Cobbler, a timeless drink perfect for quenching summer thirst. In a chilled rocks glass, muddle fresh mint leaves and sugar for a burst of vibrant aroma. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in smooth whiskey, its amber color glistening against the ice.

Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, adding a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness. Top it off with a splash of club soda, creating a gentle fizz and amplifying the refreshing notes. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge, and pure summer bliss is ready.

16. Maple Bourbon Smash

Embrace the essence of fall with the Maple Bourbon Smash, a captivating cocktail boasting warmth and depth. Muddle a whisper of orange and lemon zest in a rock glass, releasing their vibrant citrus oils. Add a touch of pure maple syrup, its amber hue hinting at sweet indulgence.

Pour in the soul of the drink - bourbon, its rich aroma filling the air. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and fill the glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a vibrant orange wheel, its color echoing the maple's warmth, and a sprig of fresh mint.

17. Irish Mule

The Irish Mule puts a Gaelic twist on the classic Moscow Mule. A chilled copper mug is filled with a bounty of crushed ice followed by a a generous measure of Irish whiskey. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and top it all off with a healthy glug of ginger beer. As you pour, watch the ginger beer playfully fizz and foam, garnish with lime wedge and serve.