Whisky wonders: 9 essential whisky cocktails

Don’t listen to your hardened Irish grandpa: whisky can be added to cocktails. It doesn’t have to be consumed neat especially if you’re not yet acquainted with its intense flavour profile.

Instead, world class Australian whisky can be added to a variety of legendary cocktails – check them out below:

1. Manhattan

Combining rye whisky with sweet vermouth and bitters, the Manhattan is a global cocktail icon. What makes it even better is its versatility: you can pretty much use any whisky you want to make a Manhattan (including the Aussie stuff).

2. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is another legendary cocktail that is outrageously fresh and enjoyable. The Mint Julep combines whisky, sugar and fresh mint – that’s about it. Put it in the muddler, give it a mix and you have the basis for not just the classic Mint Julep but for a range of delicious variations, too.

3. Vieux Carre

The world famous New Orleans cocktail reminds one of the “Big Easy” without having to visit! This magical cocktail combines rye whisky, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, cognac and two bitters variations, making it an amazingly complex cocktail that is a joy to sip on. It is always advised to carefully stick to the precise measurements to ensure that you can fully enjoy the balance of the delightful flavours.

4. Old-Fashioned

Combining whisky, bitters, sugar and orange slices, this simple classic is a great way to experiment with different whisky varieties. It has also served as the basis for many an Old-Fashioned combo, making it a versatile cocktail enjoyed the world over.

5. Whisky sour

In my opinion the most palatable of all whisky cocktails, the whisky sour is a delightful recipe that never fails to impress drinkers. Combining whisky, tart lemon, simple syrup and, of course, an egg white, the whisky sour takes on a different texture to most cocktails that is simply beautiful to enjoy.

6. John Collins

Add a little club soda to your whisky sour to make its lesser known relative the “John Collins”. Once you know the John Collins, you can pretty much use any spirit to make the same beverage – such is the delicious basis of the other ingredients.

7. Irish Coffee

To be enjoyed in the evening and after a meal (and not at morning coffee time), the Irish Coffee is a legendary dessert beverage that combines whisky, coffee, brown sugar and cream. It is so easy to make and absolutely delicious, so why not mix up your next post-dinner treat by trying one of these delightful whisky treats?

8. Highball

The highball is a name that is synonymous with legendary cocktail making. All it combines is whisky and ginger ale and you have a wonderfully refreshing cocktail that absolutely anyone can mix. If ginger ale isn’t really your thing then you can simply mix it with club soda and you’re on for a less intense yet still highly refreshing cocktail.

9. The Pickleback

The Pickleback is a modern classic that sprung up in Brooklyn some time ago. It sounds weird, but all it combines is whisky and, wait for it, pickle juice. It’s truly one of those interesting “don’t knock it till you try it” cocktails that people wince at the idea of before they take one down with a beer chaser and realise how good they really are.
As you can see, whisky isn’t simply a straight-no-chaser kind of spirit – there is plenty that can be done with it and a host of amazing alcohogolic cocktails that incorporate this legendary spirit.