Put Down The Dram & Try One Of These Classic Whisky Cocktails

With whisky lovers around the world gearing up to celebrate World Whisky Day on Saturday the 15th May, now is the ideal time to showcase the versatility of ‘the water of life’. While we’re always partial to a dram (or two), whisky also works a treat in many classic cocktails, lending its innate warmth to create a delectable concoction. 

You’ll also enjoy:
3 Essential Hacks To Become A Better Cocktail Maker, According To A Bartender
Hone In Your Bartending Game With These Gin Cocktail Recipes From Australian Distilling Co.
Fancy Fruit Cup Is A Distinctly Australian Take On A British Classic

To get the lowdown on how to make the best whisky cocktails, we tapped Jared Plummer, chief mixologist at Whisky Mill for his favourite recipes. Whisky Mill is a luxury online destination that brings a selection of the world’s finest, exclusive, and limited edition whiskies to Australian shores.

Here, Plummer shares his 3 must-have whisky cocktails in time for World Whisky Day.

The Old Fashioned

When you’re in the mood for a bonafide classic that never stops being cool, this one’s for you. A whisky cocktail as square-jawed as a bulldog but refined as a gold pocket watch, as timely as the news but as storied as the Seven Wonders, it’s the Old Fashioned you’ll make.

whisky cocktails

Ingredients

60ml Bourbon Whiskey 
5ml sugar syrup
3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Directions

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir with ice for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture over a large ice block (or multiple ice blocks depending on size). Garnish with an orange wedge or a twist.

The Manhattan

In the annals of cocktail-making, the Manhattan is an all-around heavyweight champion. It demands respect. It’s brazen; a heavy pour of rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. It’s rich, with strong flavors both spicier and sweeter. It’s strong. You make it carefully, and then you sip it slowly, because it is a drink that you earn after a hard day’s work.

whisky cocktails

Ingredients 

60ml Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
30ml Sweet Vermouth (Red)
Ice

Directions 

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, fill with ice, and stir or shake for 30 seconds. Strain without ice into a freezer chilled glass of your choice. Garnish with a fresh cherry; if they’re out of season, American whiskey pairs incredibly well with an orange twist. 

The Godfather

Have you ever thought, “hm, this scotch is nice, but wouldn’t it be nicer if it was sweeter?” Yeah, yeah, you’re not supposed to tamper with a good whisky, but then again, you’re the one drinking the drink, so drink it how you like. This is where the Godfather strides in. 

whisky cocktails

Ingredients 

45ml Whiskey (either Bourbon or a blended Scotch)
15ml Amaretto

Directions 

Add both ingredients to a whiskey glass over ice. Then, stir 15-20 times until a chilled layer appears around the outer of the glass.


In collaboration with Whisky Mill