When we think of cocktails, our minds often drift to a refreshing gin and tonic or the crisp citrus notes of a vodka-based drink. However many will argue that Whisky is the ultimate cocktail spirit.
Picture this: a warm summer evening, the sun gently setting in the distance, and a tantalising cocktail in hand. Imagine ginger ale infused with the depth and complexity of whisky. It’s a match made in taste bud heaven.
Whisky brings a unique character and flavour profile to cocktails that sets it apart from other spirits. The range of styles, from smooth bourbons to peaty single malts, offers a vast array of possibilities when it comes to crafting luscious libations.
whisky brings a unique character and flavour profile to cocktails that sets it apart from other spirits…
Whisky’s versatility shines through in its ability to complement a variety of ingredients. From zesty fruits to sweet caramel and biscotti biscuits, whisky can hold its own and create a harmonious balance.
Just imagine the marriage of whisky with fresh muddled mint in a Whisky Smash or the timeless simplicity of a Highball. These combinations add a delightful twist to your summer sipping experience.
One of the misconceptions about whisky is that it’s a heavy and overpowering spirit, best reserved for colder seasons. But with a little creativity and the right mix of ingredients, whisky can be transformed into a light and refreshing summer tipple.
The key lies in choosing the right whisky and pairing it with complementary flavours.
Let’s not forget the classics that have stood the test of time. The Whisky Sour, with its tangy lemon juice and touch of sweetness, is a timeless summer cocktail. And who can resist the allure of a well-crafted Old Fashioned, with muddled sugar, aromatic bitters, and a generous pour of whisky over ice? These classics prove that whisky can hold its own, regardless of the season.
So, let’s raise our glasses and toast to the wonders of whisky in summertime, and embrace the depth, complexity, and undeniable charm of this spirit.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a lazy summer afternoon, whisky cocktails can elevate your sipping experience.
Cheers to whisky, the surprising summer sipper that deserves a spot in every cocktail repertoire!
Best whisky cocktails to try at home
Now, let TLR introduce you to the cocktails that every whisky lover should try. These delightful concoctions celebrate the versatility of whisky and provide a fantastic introduction for those who are curious about this spirit….
CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED Ingredients
50ml bourbon whisky
1 sugar cube
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Orange peel, for garnish
Method
Place the sugar cube in a glass and add the bitters. Muddle gently until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice and whisky, then stir until well chilled. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and garnish.
A perennial favourite, the Old Fashioned is rightly regarded a timeless classic. Its simplicity is a testament to the spirit itself.
WHISKY SOUR
Ingredients
50ml whisky
25m fresh lemon juice
20ml simple syrup
Lemon wheel, for garnish
Method
Fill a shaker with ice and add whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
A perfect balance between tartness and sweetness, we reckon a Whisky Sour is a refreshing option for those warm summer evenings.
ROB ROY
Ingredients
50ml Scotch whisky
20ml sweet vermouth
Dash of Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir gently until well mixed. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.
A sophisticated cocktail, Rob Roy pays homage to the classic Manhattan. It’s a smooth and elegant way to showcase the depth of flavour in a fine Scotch whisky.
BOULEVARDIER
Ingredients
40ml bourbon
20ml Sweet vermouth
20ml Campari
Orange twist, for garnish
Method
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir well until chilled. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
The Boulevardier is a delightful twist on the Negroni, replacing gin with bourbon. Its bittersweet profile will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more.
PENICILLIN
Ingredients
60ml blended Scotch whisky
20ml fresh lemon juice
20ml honey syrup
Ginger syrup
Islay Scotch whisky, for float
Candied ginger, for garnish
Method
Fill a shaker with ice and add blended Scotch whisky, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Drizzle a small amount of ginger syrup on top. Carefully float a teaspoon of Islay Scotch whisky on the surface. Garnish with candied ginger.
The Penicillin is a modern classic, created by Australian mixologist Sam Ross. It combines the smoky notes of Islay Scotch with the sweetness of honey and the zing of ginger, resulting in a complex, irresistible cocktail.
WHISKY SMASH
Ingredients
50ml whisky of your choice
30ml fresh lemon juice
3-4 fresh mint leaves
15ml simple syrup
Crushed ice
Method
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour whisky and lime juice over the ice. Top it off with ginger beer and gently stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge.
SMOKY MAPLE WHISKY SOUR
Ingredients
50ml smoky whisky
20ml fresh lemon juice
15ml maple syrup
15ml egg white (optional, for froth)
Ice cubes
Method
In a shaker, combine whisky, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to create a frothy texture. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again briefly to chill. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Sit back, sip, and revel in the intriguing balance of smoke and sweet maple.
WHISKY MULE
Ingredients
50ml whisky
20ml ginger ale
15ml fresh lime juice
Lime wheel, for garnish
Ice cubes
Method
Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes. Squeeze in fresh lime juice. Pour whisky over the ice. Top it off with ginger ale and gently stir. Garnish with a lime wheel. A warming alternative to the classic Moscow Mule, this harmonious blend of whisky, tangy lime, and ginger beer is the perfect serve.
WHISKY HIGHBALL
Ingredients
50ml of your favourite dram
Ice cubes
About 100ml club soda
Fresh lemon or lime wedge, for garnish
Method
Select a highball glass, and fill generously with ice. Carefully pour your preferred whisky into the glass (choose the smoky notes of an Islay Scotch, the smoothness of a bourbon, or the richness of a single malt), and add soda. There’s no need to stir.
To enhance the flavour profile, take a fresh lemon or lime wedge and give it a gentle squeeze over the glass. The citrus essence will infuse the whisky highball with a subtle zing. Drop the squeezed lemon or lime wedge into the glass, allowing it to float amidst the ice and whisky.
A timeless classic, celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and versatility, the Highball is an easy cocktail to customise. Experiment with different whisky varieties, adjusting the amount of sparkling soda, or even adding a dash of bitters or simple sugar syrup.
WHISKY GINGER FIZZ
Ingredients
50ml whisky of your choice
20ml ginger beer
15ml fresh lime juice
Lime wedge, for garnish
Ice cubes
Method
In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup. Add whisky, lemon juice, and a handful of crushed ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to infuse the flavours. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
London has a new speakeasy and it might just serve the best whisky sour in town. Archive & Myth, located beneath Leicester Square, is accessed by a password-protected door off Cranbourn Street, between the Hippodrome Casino and Magic Mike Live. A more central location is hard to imagine. This clandestine oasis offers a stylish escape…
Award-winning Ayrshire distillery Lochlea, has launched its second cask strength whisky. A bolder version of the distillery’s single malt, it’s crafted from a cask make-up comprising 11 Pedro Xímenez (PX) barrels, five Oloroso sherry butts, and five STR casks, a mix of American and mixed European Oak. The PX matured liquid dates from the end…
Farm-born spirits producer Warner’s Distillery, famed for its Rhubarb Gin, has launched an exclusive ticketed nature experience at its farm headquarters in the village of Harrington, Northamptonshire. Visitors will escape to Falls Farm, where they’ll be taken on an interactive journey of taste and discovery at the distillery’s historical English heritage-listed, 140 acre farm. The…
The Luxe Review 
When we think of cocktails, our minds often drift to a refreshing gin and tonic or the crisp citrus notes of a vodka-based drink. However many will argue that Whisky is the ultimate cocktail spirit.
Picture this: a warm summer evening, the sun gently setting in the distance, and a tantalising cocktail in hand. Imagine ginger ale infused with the depth and complexity of whisky. It’s a match made in taste bud heaven.
Whisky brings a unique character and flavour profile to cocktails that sets it apart from other spirits. The range of styles, from smooth bourbons to peaty single malts, offers a vast array of possibilities when it comes to crafting luscious libations.
Whisky’s versatility shines through in its ability to complement a variety of ingredients. From zesty fruits to sweet caramel and biscotti biscuits, whisky can hold its own and create a harmonious balance.
Just imagine the marriage of whisky with fresh muddled mint in a Whisky Smash or the timeless simplicity of a Highball. These combinations add a delightful twist to your summer sipping experience.
One of the misconceptions about whisky is that it’s a heavy and overpowering spirit, best reserved for colder seasons. But with a little creativity and the right mix of ingredients, whisky can be transformed into a light and refreshing summer tipple.
The key lies in choosing the right whisky and pairing it with complementary flavours.
Let’s not forget the classics that have stood the test of time. The Whisky Sour, with its tangy lemon juice and touch of sweetness, is a timeless summer cocktail. And who can resist the allure of a well-crafted Old Fashioned, with muddled sugar, aromatic bitters, and a generous pour of whisky over ice? These classics prove that whisky can hold its own, regardless of the season.
So, let’s raise our glasses and toast to the wonders of whisky in summertime, and embrace the depth, complexity, and undeniable charm of this spirit.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a lazy summer afternoon, whisky cocktails can elevate your sipping experience.
Cheers to whisky, the surprising summer sipper that deserves a spot in every cocktail repertoire!
Best whisky cocktails to try at home
Now, let TLR introduce you to the cocktails that every whisky lover should try. These delightful concoctions celebrate the versatility of whisky and provide a fantastic introduction for those who are curious about this spirit….
CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients
Method
Place the sugar cube in a glass and add the bitters. Muddle gently until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice and whisky, then stir until well chilled. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and garnish.
A perennial favourite, the Old Fashioned is rightly regarded a timeless classic. Its simplicity is a testament to the spirit itself.
WHISKY SOUR
Ingredients
Method
Fill a shaker with ice and add whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
A perfect balance between tartness and sweetness, we reckon a Whisky Sour is a refreshing option for those warm summer evenings.
ROB ROY
Ingredients
Method
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir gently until well mixed. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.
A sophisticated cocktail, Rob Roy pays homage to the classic Manhattan. It’s a smooth and elegant way to showcase the depth of flavour in a fine Scotch whisky.
BOULEVARDIER
Ingredients
Method
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir well until chilled. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
The Boulevardier is a delightful twist on the Negroni, replacing gin with bourbon. Its bittersweet profile will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more.
PENICILLIN
Ingredients
Method
Fill a shaker with ice and add blended Scotch whisky, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Drizzle a small amount of ginger syrup on top. Carefully float a teaspoon of Islay Scotch whisky on the surface. Garnish with candied ginger.
The Penicillin is a modern classic, created by Australian mixologist Sam Ross. It combines the smoky notes of Islay Scotch with the sweetness of honey and the zing of ginger, resulting in a complex, irresistible cocktail.
WHISKY SMASH
Ingredients
Method
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour whisky and lime juice over the ice. Top it off with ginger beer and gently stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge.
SMOKY MAPLE WHISKY SOUR
Ingredients
Method
In a shaker, combine whisky, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to create a frothy texture. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again briefly to chill. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Sit back, sip, and revel in the intriguing balance of smoke and sweet maple.
WHISKY MULE
Ingredients
Method
Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes. Squeeze in fresh lime juice. Pour whisky over the ice. Top it off with ginger ale and gently stir. Garnish with a lime wheel. A warming alternative to the classic Moscow Mule, this harmonious blend of whisky, tangy lime, and ginger beer is the perfect serve.
WHISKY HIGHBALL
Ingredients
Method
Select a highball glass, and fill generously with ice. Carefully pour your preferred whisky into the glass (choose the smoky notes of an Islay Scotch, the smoothness of a bourbon, or the richness of a single malt), and add soda. There’s no need to stir.
To enhance the flavour profile, take a fresh lemon or lime wedge and give it a gentle squeeze over the glass. The citrus essence will infuse the whisky highball with a subtle zing. Drop the squeezed lemon or lime wedge into the glass, allowing it to float amidst the ice and whisky.
A timeless classic, celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and versatility, the Highball is an easy cocktail to customise. Experiment with different whisky varieties, adjusting the amount of sparkling soda, or even adding a dash of bitters or simple sugar syrup.
WHISKY GINGER FIZZ
Ingredients
Method
In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup. Add whisky, lemon juice, and a handful of crushed ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to infuse the flavours. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Archive & Myth cocktail bar review: Hip new London speakeasy serves the ultimate Whisky Sour
London has a new speakeasy and it might just serve the best whisky sour in town. Archive & Myth, located beneath Leicester Square, is accessed by a password-protected door off Cranbourn Street, between the Hippodrome Casino and Magic Mike Live. A more central location is hard to imagine. This clandestine oasis offers a stylish escape…
Lochlea launches Cask Strength Batch 2 whisky, where orchard fruits meet figs and treacle
Award-winning Ayrshire distillery Lochlea, has launched its second cask strength whisky. A bolder version of the distillery’s single malt, it’s crafted from a cask make-up comprising 11 Pedro Xímenez (PX) barrels, five Oloroso sherry butts, and five STR casks, a mix of American and mixed European Oak. The PX matured liquid dates from the end…
Warner’s Distillery takes visitors back to nature with unique farm tour in the heart of Northamptonshire
Farm-born spirits producer Warner’s Distillery, famed for its Rhubarb Gin, has launched an exclusive ticketed nature experience at its farm headquarters in the village of Harrington, Northamptonshire. Visitors will escape to Falls Farm, where they’ll be taken on an interactive journey of taste and discovery at the distillery’s historical English heritage-listed, 140 acre farm. The…
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