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15 Easy Whiskey Cocktails to Try

Whiskey cocktails, with their simple ingredients, offer a perfect mix for enthusiasts and beginners. They’re easy to whip up after a long day or when you’re entertaining friends, providing a straightforward way to savor whiskey’s rich flavors. You’ll love how these drinks balance simplicity with taste, making any occasion special without much effort. Check out this roundup for some great recipes to start mixing at home.

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Manhattan

manhattan cocktail

The Manhattan cocktail is a classic whiskey drink that has been a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts for decades. It’s a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that combines the robust flavor of bourbon with the sweetness of vermouth, elevated with the aromatic notes of orange bitters and the iconic Angostura bitters. The result is a well-balanced and smooth cocktail that is perfect for sipping and savoring.


Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned

Originating in the early 1800s, the Old Fashioned is a classic drink. It’s an old-fashioned beverage that has endured through the ages and is still a top pick among whiskey enthusiasts today. Sugar, bourbon, Angostura bitters, and a little water are the only basic components needed to make the drink. Orange peel and brandied cherries are used as garnish to give the beverage a little sweetness and depth. The Old Fashioned is unique because of its straightforward composition. It’s a drink that brings out the depth and taste of the bourbon, and the bitters and sugar help to balance off the sweetness and provide a hint of spice.


Boulevardier

a glass of boulevardier cocktail

Enjoy the flavorful ingredients of the Boulevardier, a simple yet elegant whiskey drink that is guaranteed to amaze. This simple cocktail, which just calls for whiskey, Campari, and premium sweet vermouth, delivers a powerful punch because of its rich and varied tastes. For those who enjoy the strong, powerful overtones of whisky in their drinks, it’s the ideal option.


Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a traditional drink that brings out the strong and intricate tastes of bourbon. The combination of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup strikes the ideal balance between sweetness and acidity, while the egg white adds a smooth texture and a creamy mouthfeel. Angostura bitters drops complete the taste profile by bringing in a little spiciness. With its easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, the Whiskey Sour is a top contender for the best easy whiskey cocktails out there.


Mint Julep

Mint Julep

Enjoy the cool tastes of a Mint Julep, an old-fashioned whiskey drink that is often associated with the Kentucky Derby and sunny summer days. A Mint Julep has the ideal combination of bourbon’s robust tastes, freshness from the mint leaves, and sweetness from the simple syrup. The mint’s fragrant oils offer a burst of freshness, while the bourbon adds a mellow, warming flavor. The correct quantity of sweetness is added by the simple syrup to balance out the tastes. For an alluring scent and decorative touch, top with extra crushed ice and add a mint leaf as a garnish.


Brown Derby

Brown Derby

Experience the unique and delightful taste of a Brown Derby, a lesser-known yet incredibly delicious whiskey cocktail. A Brown Derby is a delicious blend of bourbon’s robust tastes, fresh grapefruit juice’s flavor, and sweetness from the honey syrup. Undoubtedly one of the greatest simple whiskey drinks to enjoy, the Brown Derby has a beautifully rich flavor profile and is straightforward to make.


Whiskey Highball

Whiskey Highball

Indulge in the refreshing simplicity of a Whiskey Highball, a classic cocktail that combines the bold flavors of rye whiskey with the effervescence of ginger ale. The ginger ale delivers a welcome effervescence and a tinge of sweetness, while the rye whiskey contributes a distinctly robust and smooth taste profile. The outcome is a flavorful beverage that is energizing and refreshing, with the ideal ratio of tastes to slake your thirst and please your palate.


Irish Mule

Irish Mule

A perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and spicy ingredients defines the flavor of an Irish Mule. The mix of Irish whiskey, lime, and ginger beer produces a well-rounded and balanced flavor that is suited for both whiskey connoisseurs and newbies. It may be enjoyed all year, whether as a refreshing sip on a hot summer day or as a warm drink in the winter.


Paper Plane

Paper Plane

A genuine treat for the taste buds, the Paper Plane drink is a contemporary classic that combines the ideal harmony of sweet, sour, and bitter ingredients. This interesting mixture mixes the strength of bourbon with the tartness of fresh lemon juice, the distinct bitter-sweet aromas of Aperol and Amaro liqueurs, and the refreshing tang of ice. This drink is perfect for those who like a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail that is both easy to make and impressive to serve.


Rob Roy

Rob Roy

The Rob Roy is a well-known classic drink that dates back to the late 19th century and is distinguished by its strong taste. The Scotch whiskey offers a characteristic peaty and smoky taste that lingers on the palate, while the sweet vermouth adds a velvety texture and a hint of herbal sweetness. The use of bitters gives the drink a little bitterness, which increases its complexity. Drink this classy beverage to experience the history of the traditional whiskey cocktail.


Rusty Nail

a glass of rusty nail

For those who adore the smooth, rich flavor of Scotch, the Rusty Nail is a simple yet tasty whiskey drink. Scotch whiskey and Drambuie, a sweet herbal liqueur made from honey, spices, and herbs, are combined to create this traditional beverage. The outcome is a perfectly balanced drink with a warm, smoky aftertaste that is sweet and spicy. 


Godfather 

Godfather 

The Godfather is a standout option among the best simple whiskey concoctions, expertly fusing the tastes of amaretto and Scotch whisky. This traditional beverage gains a rich sweetness from the opulent flavor of amaretto, an Italian liqueur with almond flavor. The robust and smoky tones of Scotch whiskey expertly balance this sweetness, resulting in a flavor combination that is both delicious and unforgettable. For those looking for a sophisticated and straightforward cocktail, this time-tested mix offers a delicious blend of sweetness and smokiness.


Gold Rush

Gold Rush

The pleasant and cooling Bourbon-based drink known as the Gold Rush creates the ideal harmony between sweet and acidic ingredients. Typically served on the rocks, the Gold Rush cocktail frequently includes a lemon wheel as a garnish to lend a sense of freshness. The tanginess of the lemon juice gives the beverage an acidic kick, and the sweetness of the honey syrup balances out the bourbon’s richness. With its deliciously balanced taste and simple yet sophisticated ingredients, the Gold Rush is a popular choice among bourbon lovers and those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail.


Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee

The Irish Coffee is a well-known classic cocktail that is adored for its sumptuous flavors. This beverage has a wonderful balance of sweetness, bitterness, and creaminess that creates a delightful sensory experience. Particularly during colder months or as a dessert beverage following a meal, the Irish Coffee is a great option for people seeking a delectable and soothing hot cocktail.


Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is a cozy beverage that is ideal for winter nights. The combination of tea, whiskey, lemon, and honey produces a perfectly harmonious mixture of sweet and tart ingredients, giving the Hot Toddy its warm and comforting flavor. Give this classic drink a try, and the soothing flavor of the Hot Toddy will transport you to a world of comfortable, fireside happiness.


A refreshing and classic Mint Julep cocktail, served in a traditional silver julep cup on a rustic wooden bar surface. The drink is a vibrant green, indicating the fresh mint used, with crushed ice heaped above the rim of the cup. It's garnished with a generous sprig of fresh mint and a dusting of powdered sugar on top. The background features a quaint and charming bar setting, with a casual and inviting atmosphere. Soft, natural lighting enhances the cool and crisp look of the drink, highlighting the frosty exterior of the julep cup, creating a perfect summertime refreshment scene.

15 Easy Whiskey Cocktails

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.7 from 3 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Whiskey Cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Discover easy whiskey cocktail recipes for a fuss-free mix! Perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Start mixing now!

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite recipe
  • Gather all the needed ingredients
  • Prep an easy whiskey cocktail in less than 5 minutes
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15 Easy Whiskey Cocktails to Try
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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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A rich Bourbon Sweet Tea in a cozy, southern-style setting. The cocktail is served in a classic mason jar, embodying a homely, rustic charm. It's a deep amber color, indicating the blend of bourbon and sweet tea. The drink is garnished with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint, adding a refreshing twist. The mason jar sits on a wooden table with a checkered tablecloth, evoking a traditional southern ambiance. In the background, there's a picturesque view of a countryside porch with rocking chairs and hanging ferns, under the shade of large oak trees. The focus is on the warm, inviting look of the Bourbon Sweet Tea, symbolizing comfort and southern hospitality.

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A creative Pop Rocks Cosmopolitan in a vibrant, festive setting. The cocktail is served in a classic cosmopolitan glass, radiating a bright pink color, reminiscent of the playful Pop Rocks candy. The rim of the glass is coated with colorful Pop Rocks, adding a sparkling and effervescent effect. The drink is set against a backdrop of a lively party scene, with twinkling lights, colorful balloons, and a festive atmosphere. The table where the glass rests is decorated with confetti and party favors, emphasizing the fun and celebratory mood. The focus is on the innovative and entertaining appearance of the Pop Rocks Cosmopolitan, symbolizing a fusion of classic cocktail elegance with a whimsical, playful twist.

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