Whisky-based Cocktails

Whiskey Types

Although gin is commonly used as a base spirit for bright and refreshing cocktails (and admittedly easier to mix), whiskies can create some complex, spirit-forward beasts. Bourbons (typically sweet) and ryes (typically more spicy) are commonly used as bases. Scotches, particularly peat-forward Islay whiskies (think Laphroaig and Ardbeg), have been one of our personal challenges to try to incorporate into good cocktails.

The most famous whiskey based cocktails are the old fashioned, and the Manhattan which are now entire families of cocktails, but there are dozens of others to try. 

Below is a compilation of our favorite scotch-based, bourbon-based, and rye-based cocktails.


Scotch Cocktails

This drink comes from a bar in Lithuania, by way of /u/seanloreaux2 on Reddit. The original calls for 2 oz Read more
So I realize now as I'm typing this that I misspelled the cocktail name on our latest Instagram post as Read more
The Rusty Nail's signature ingredient is Drambuie, a scotch based liquor, sweetened with heather honey, and infused with herbs and Read more
We decided to start with the Old Pal as a template and started by subbing a blend of Laphroaig and Read more
Drunk Uncle Islay Cocktail
Islay scotch and Cynar. Enough said. Read more
Tasty summery cocktail featuring peated whiskey, rum, banana liqueur, and Sherry. Read more
Peaty cocktail featuring Lagavulin 16 from L’Abbattoir Read more
Laphroaigroni
It's Negroni week 2019 in San Francisco! A veritable Christmas for lovers of the best cocktail out there in which Read more
Cocktail on top of plate next to magazine
Peaty Whisky and Campari cocktail from American Bar at the Savoy in London. Read more
We named this the louboutin cocktail because we recently visited Saison - the 3-starred Michelin restaurant best known for having Read more
Blood and Sand but better. Way better. Read more
American classic with an Austrian twist. Read more
Peaty Punch
Peaty twist on a clarified milk cocktail. Read more
Cocktail in short glass with lemon wedge ontop of blue and black checkered cloth, next to whisky bottle
Peaty whisky cocktail with some sweet and spice notes Read more
For Sherry Week, we are doing a Perfect Rob Roy with PX Sherry. Read more
Cocktail with cherry tomato garnish
Peaty drink with scotch and tomato. Read more
Cocktail next to a bottle of Lagavulin and a Hawthorne strainer
The classic - with a peaty Lagavulin 16 base Read more
Cocktail with a long stem in front of bottle of liqueur
Supremely simple, delicious cocktail Read more
Cocktail in front of a bottle of Green Chartreuse and a bottle of Laphroaig
Laphroaig based riff on the last word Read more
Cocktail with lime wheel garnish in front of 2 passports
A Laphroiag cocktail that is shockingly well-balanced Read more

Bourbon Cocktails

I've experimented with infusing a few spirits, but I find it plays incredibly well with high-proof American Applejack and with Read more
Pineapple goes surprisingly well with peaty scotch. This is exemplified in the super-tropical Ardbeg Drum special release whisky. Peated scotch Read more
What to do when you can't afford Weller Read more
One day, while talking to my Jiu Jitsu coach (Kurt Osiander) about one of our shared favorite past-times: alcohol, he Read more
Bourbon-based cocktail from Nova Scotia with Lillet Blanc Read more
Cocktail with lemon twist and flower garnish
High Octane split base cocktail of rye, bourbon, and Calvados Read more
Bourbon tiki-like cocktail Read more
Small glass next to small bottle ontop of table
Banana and whiskey class from New Orleans Read more
A very boozy bourbon-based cocktail to drink while hunting for unicorns Read more
Glass topped with cranberries next to bowl of brown colored liquid
Falernum and IPA based fall punch. Read more

Rye Cocktails

Deadpan Fix Cocktail
We made a lot of ginger syrup, as described in our previous post on the spicy ginger daiquiri. A lot. Read more
One thing I sometimes fantasize about is doing the Julie & Julia version of cocktails. To be honest, I have Read more
Was thinking the other day: what's the point in having so many awesome amari if I don't make more drinks Read more
Prohibition era cocktail with a triple base of rye, rum, and brandy. Read more
Red Eye Cocktail on top of glass surface with toothpick
Original cocktail from Jim Meehan designed for the Amex Centurion Lounge Read more
Cocktail with lemon twist and flower garnish
High Octane split base cocktail of rye, bourbon, and Calvados Read more
Sfumato and rye-based boozy cocktail Read more
Cocktail with a lime garnish on top of wooden plank
A grassy agricole diamondback variant by Thomas Waguh from Death & Co. Read more
Cocktail in glass with silver rim with two bottles of liquor behind
Last Word with Whiskey from Phil Ward Read more
Cocktail sitting in tray with lemon garnish
Old Fashioned Variant with Green Chartreuse and Rye. Read more