Discover the classic whiskey base cocktails that have been enjoyed for centuries! From the Manhattan to the Old Fashioned, learn about some of the most iconic drinks in history and how to make them.
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The Manhattan
One of the most iconic whiskey cocktails, the Manhattan has been around since the 1800s. It’s a classic for a reason: it combines rye or bourbon whiskey with sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters and an orange peel garnish to give it that signature sweetness. The ratio of ingredients can be adjusted according to preference, but generally two parts rye or bourbon is combined with one part sweet vermouth and two dashes of bitters. To make this cocktail even more special, opt for some higher-end whiskey like Bulleit Rye or Woodford Reserve Bourbon.To prepare your perfect Manhattan, start by chilling your glassware – either a coupe glass or rocks glass will do! Then fill your shaker tin with ice cubes and pour in your preferred whiskey along with sweet vermouth. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters before stirring everything together until chilled. Strain into your pre-chilled glass over fresh ice cubes if desired, then garnish with an orange twist and enjoy!
Old Fashioned
Another timeless classic from the 19th century is the Old Fashioned – and its name says it all! This simple yet sophisticated cocktail consists only of four ingredients: bourbon (or rye) whisky, sugar syrup (or simple syrup), Angostura Bitters and an optional citrus fruit slice as garnish. To make this drink you’ll need either white granulated sugar or brown sugar dissolved in hot water to create a ‘simple syrup’. Once made up you can stir in around 30ml/1oz each of both whisky & simple syrup along with 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters into an Old Fashioned glass filled halfway with crushed ice.Stir continuously until well blended then top off with additional crushed ice if desired before adding any chosen garnishes such as lemon slices etc… Now simply sip away on this smooth yet strong concoction while enjoying its full flavour profile that has endured through centuries!
Sazerac
Originating from America’s oldest cocktail bar The Sazerac House in New Orleans circa 1850s ––the Sazerac is another classic Whiskey base Cocktail packed full of boozy goodness! Perfectly balanced between peppery Rye Whiskey & herbal Absinthe flavours ––this unique tipple requires equal measures each combined alongside 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters before being topped off one single cube Sugar Cube*.To mix things up just right ––start by coating the inside walls inside a lowball Whisky Glass using Absinthe Liqueur before discarding any excess liquid once done – now just add all other elements directly into mixing tin including Ice Cubes; followed by pouring entire contents back into prepared Whisky Glass which should have had Ice removed beforehand… Finally serve neat whilst enjoying its complex flavours & aroma that follow after every sip taken!
More to learn:
- Another post on this topic you might find useful is, What whiskey is best for cocktails.
- Wondering about Is Jameson Whiskey good for cocktails, check it out here.
