Five Classic Whisky Cocktails for Summer 2024

Whiskey’s combination of elaborate flavors and rich textures make it  one of the most consumed and appreciated alcoholic beverages worldwide. The same factors make it perfect in warm-weather cocktails. Its unmistakable character conveys the rich aroma of wooden barrels, and its scent delights almost everyone.

Whiskey come from distilling grains (usually wheat, barley, malt, rye, or corn) and then ageing the alcohol in oak barrels. The diverse range of styles—bourbon, rye, Japanese, Scotch, and Irish, each with distinct flavors—that range from sweet and caramel-like to smoky and spicy. This allows whiskey to complement a wide array of summer ingredients like citrus fruits, herbs (especially mint), and fresh juices. It’s a great spirit to experiment with in mixology.

Whiskey's inherent complexity balances well with both sweet and sour elements, making it an ideal base for refreshing drinks like the Whiskey Sour, which blends whiskey with lemon juice and simple syrup. Keep in mind balancing sweet, sour, aromatic, and even bitter elements.

Pairing whiskey with mixers such as ginger ale or ginger beer adds a spicy kick and carbonation that enhances the whiskey's flavors without overpowering them. This balance creates invigorating drinks like the John Collins and the invigorating Mint Julep, perfect sitting on the porch in steamy weather. Just remember, you can always order whiskey delivery California.

For a celebration coming up or to treat yourself, let’s review how easy it is to make whiskey-based cocktails. Before you start learning the recipes, ideally have ready some tools that will be key to preparing your whiskey drinks including a cocktail shaker, jigger, long-handled spoon, strainer, and muddler. If you don't have any of these, don’t fret, you can use similar items from the kitchen.

Five Whiskey Cocktails for Summer

Learn how easy it is to make these whiskey drinks at home this summer, especially after taking advantage of the online whiskey sale. We will start with the most fresh and refreshing drink of all.

Mint Julep

This is a sweet and refreshing drink that originated in the southern United States during the 18th century. The first written record of this wonderful drink is found in a book by the famous John Davis, published in London in 1803. The ingredient for one drink must include:

• 1/3 ounce of syrup
• Fresh mint leaves
• 2 ounces of whiskey
• Crushed ice
• 1 sprig of mint

 

Preparation

1. Gently crush the mint leaves with a muddler. Do it softly and just a little, or it will make the drink bitter.
2. Pour the syrup. Crush the leaves again and mix them with the syrup.
3. Add the whiskey and fill the glass with crushed ice until it forms a small mound.
4. Decorate with a sprig of mint.

Old Fashioned Cocktail

The Old Fashioned was created at the beginning of the 20th century by a retired general who wasn't very fond of the ubiquitous whiskey. To modify its strong alcoholic flavor, he prepared a base of sugar and bitters and added a generous amount of ice, creating a combination that has become a classic. This cocktail became so popular that the term Old Fashioned was used to refer to a short, thick glass, perfect for a short drink with ice cubes. For one drink, have ready:

• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 dashes of bitters
• 1 dash of soda
• 2 oz (60 ml) of bourbon, you can use Bulleit Bourbon
• Orange peel slice (for decoration)
• Ice

 

Preparation

1. Prepare the cocktail directly in the glass by adding 2 tablespoons of sugar.
2. Add two dashes of bitters and one of soda.
3. Mix the glass with the blend.
4. Add the bourbon and 2 or 3 ice cubes (or as preferred).
5. Stir with a bar spoon, controlling the mixture.
6. To garnish the cocktail, cut a long orange peel, twist it a bit, place it in the drink, and stir once more.

John Collins

Initially, this cocktail was prepared and served as an alcoholic lemonade, specifically with gin, made by Tom and John Collins, a bartender in New York. However, over time, this recipe changed. Today, it is very popular to serve it with whiskey or vodka, as they pair very well with the refreshing taste of lemonade.

If you are looking for something light and refreshing, this drink is totally for you. Yields 1 serving when you mix together:

• 1 ounce of whiskey
• 1 ounce of lemon juice
• Half an ounce of sugar syrup
• Soda or mineral water
• Lemon slice and cherry

Preparation

1. Add the sugar syrup and lemon juice in a Collins glass. Stir well with the help of a long spoon.
2. Add ice to the glass and then fill it with mineral water or soda. Stir a bit with the spoon.
3. Decorate with a lemon slice and serve.

Whiskey Sour

This cocktail is a classic and definitely can’t be left off from this list of whiskey drinks next time you buy liquor online. It is characterized by its citrus flavor, enjoyed by connoisseurs and amateurs alike. This combination of whiskey and lemon is one of the most well-known and wonderful that exists, both ingredients blend perfectly in a drink you must try at least once. One serving consists of:

• 30 ml of whiskey
• 30 ml of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 lemon slice

Preparation

1. Pour the whiskey into a shaker along with the lemon juice and sugar respectively.
2. Shake vigorously for a few seconds until the sugar dissolves and the liquids cool down.
3. Pour the shaker's contents into a short glass containing two ice cubes. If there is water in the glass, remove it.
4. Decorate with a lemon slice.

Manhattan Cocktail

Dr. Lain Marshall created this cocktail in 1870. The story goes that Jennie Jerome (Lady Randolph) prepared a banquet for the presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden, ordering a special drink to welcome him. The surprise was that everyone was delighted, and the drink quickly became popular as the "Manhattan."

It is usually served as an aperitif, but owing to its alcohol level, you can also save it for the end of a meal. One of these cocktails contains:

• 22 ml of sweet vermouth (like Martini Rosso)
• 90 ml of bourbon whiskey
• 1 dash of Angostura
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 orange peel
• Ice

Preparation

1. Place crushed ice in a shaker.
2. Add the Angostura, whiskey, and vermouth.
3. Stir these ingredients with a stirrer.
4. Add the cherries to give it that special color.
5. Decorate with cherries and an orange peel.