Whiskey Business

The Whiskey Business is a bold and spicy cocktail that brings together the depth of rye whiskey with the smoky heat of Ancho Reyes chile liqueur. A touch of cinnamon syrup adds warmth, while lemon juice brightens everything up with a splash of acidity. It’s balanced and fiery, ideal for anyone who enjoys a whiskey drink with a bit of a kick. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for happy hour, weekend sipping, or impressing guests with something a little unexpected.

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Tasting Notes

Whiskey Business is bold, spicy, and layered with warmth. The rye whiskey provides structure and a dry finish, giving the drink its strong base. Ancho Reyes contributes a subtle heat and a slightly smoky chili flavor that lingers without overwhelming. Cinnamon syrup blends smoothly, adding warmth and sweetness that ties the spice together. Lemon juice cuts through with just enough brightness to keep the balance in check. The chili salt rim sharpens the sip with a briny kick, while the lemon garnish adds a fresh citrus aroma. This cocktail walks the line between heat, citrus, and sweet-spice richness.

Equipment and Glassware

To make Whiskey Business properly, you’ll need a few standard bar tools: a jigger for accurate measuring, a cocktail shaker for mixing, and a strainer to serve cleanly over ice. A citrus squeezer helps extract fresh lemon juice quickly, while a bar spoon can assist in rimming the glass with chili salt. Serve this cocktail in an Old Fashioned glass, which holds the drink’s structure well and allows room for ice and garnish. For added presentation and temperature control, chill the glass in advance. Use a sharp paring knife for slicing a clean lemon wheel garnish.

Ingredients

• 1 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz Ancho Reyes
• 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• Lemon wheel (for garnish)
• Chili salt (for garnish)

Instructions

• Add the rye whiskey, Ancho Reyes, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake briskly for about 10–12 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into an old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprinkle of chili salt.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a cleaner citrus profile
• Chill the Old Fashioned glass to maintain temperature
• Rim only half the glass with chili salt to let guests control the intensity
• Shake hard to fully integrate the citrus and syrup
• Use a large ice cube to slow dilution and preserve balance
• Homemade cinnamon syrup adds a richer, spiced character
• A flamed cinnamon stick can be used as an alternative garnish
• Fine strain if you want to avoid pulp or ice chips in the glass

When to Serve

Whiskey Business is well-suited for fall and winter months when warming flavors are appreciated. It’s a solid choice for evenings around the fire, a casual cocktail night, or as a unique pick for a small dinner party. This drink also works nicely as a seasonal menu item for bar programs during colder months. Its layered spice and heat make it ideal as a slow sipper rather than a quick refresher. Serve it when you want something a little out of the ordinary but still grounded in a familiar whiskey base.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Rye Whiskey:

• Rittenhouse Rye
• Old Forester Rye
• Bulleit Rye
• Wild Turkey 101 Rye
• Sazerac Rye

Ancho Reyes:

• Ancho Reyes Original Chile Liqueur
• Ancho Reyes Verde (for a fresher chili note)

Cinnamon Syrup (optional brands if not homemade):

• Liber & Co. Fiery Ginger & Cinnamon Syrup
• Small Hand Foods Spiced Syrup

Similar Cocktails

• Deckside Derby
• Salted Pomelo Sour
• Summer Rye
• Nocino Sour
• Matcha Whiskey Highball