Whisky does not have to be enjoyed neat. This versatile spirit is also the base of many refined and beautifully balanced cocktails. Its woody, vanilla or smoky notes pair particularly well with citrus fruits, spices and fresh fruit, opening up plenty of possibilities. Whether you enjoy bold flavours or prefer lighter, more refreshing drinks, there is a whisky cocktail for every taste. Here are four easy recipes to help you rediscover whisky at home.
Whisky Sour: freshness with plenty of character
This timeless classic is fresh, tangy and beautifully balanced. It is an ideal recipe for anyone who enjoys whisky with bright citrus notes. The lemon gives this whisky and lemon cocktail its lively, refreshing character.
Ingredients:
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50 ml whisky
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30 ml fresh lemon juice
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20 ml sugar syrup
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Optional: 1 egg white for a smooth, creamy texture
Method:
Add all the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon. If you are using egg white, you can first shake the ingredients without ice, then shake again with ice to create a smoother foam.
Tip: choose a well-balanced whisky that is neither too smoky nor too sweet, so the freshness of the lemon can still shine through.
Whisky Ginger: spicy and sparkling
Love fizzy drinks and lively flavours? The Whisky Ginger is a great choice. This easy highball combines whisky, ginger ale and a touch of fresh lime, making it perfect if you enjoy refreshing cocktails with a gentle spicy kick.
You will need:
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50 ml whisky
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Ginger ale or ginger beer
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1 lime wedge
How to make it:
Fill a tall glass generously with ice. Pour in the whisky, then top up with chilled ginger ale. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink before adding it to the glass. Simple, quick and wonderfully refreshing.
Variation idea:
For a lighter, more citrus-forward drink, replace the ginger ale with lemon soda or lemonade. It makes a particularly refreshing summer variation.
Old Fashioned: timeless elegance
The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic whisky cocktails. Classic and elegant, it uses only a few ingredients, allowing the character of the whisky to remain at the heart of the drink. Orange peel gives this whisky and orange cocktail a subtle citrus lift.
Essential ingredients:
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60 ml whisky
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1 sugar cube
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A few dashes of Angostura bitters
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1 strip of orange peel
How to make it step by step:
Place the sugar cube and bitters in the glass and dissolve the sugar with a small splash of water. Add ice, then pour the whisky over it. Stir slowly and gently. Finally, twist the orange peel over the glass to release its aromatic oils, then add it to the drink.
Our tasting tip:
This cocktail works particularly well with whiskies offering rounded caramel, vanilla or woody notes. With so few ingredients, the personality of the spirit remains front and centre.
Apple Whisky Fizz: light and fruity
Fancy something different from the classic whisky and lemon combination? This fruity variation is a lovely alternative. This apple whisky cocktail combines the natural sweetness of apple juice with the freshness of lemon and a touch of sparkle.
Ingredients:
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50 ml whisky
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100 ml fresh apple juice
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20 ml lemon juice
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A splash of sparkling water
The method is very simple:
Add the whisky, apple juice and lemon juice to a shaker with a few ice cubes. Shake briefly, then strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water just before serving.
When to enjoy it:
This light, fruity cocktail is perfect as an aperitif and works just as well for a relaxed brunch.
Tips for making great whisky cocktails
Making a good cocktail is about more than simply mixing whisky with a few ingredients. Choosing the right spirit also makes a real difference. Blended whiskies are often versatile and work particularly well in a wide range of cocktails, while distinctive single malts can be used in more refined recipes where you want their individual aromas to stand out. To learn more, take a look at our guide to the different types of whisky.
Once you have chosen your whisky, getting the proportions right is equally important. The whisky should not overpower the other ingredients, and the other flavours should not hide the character of the spirit. Many whisky cocktails are also best served well chilled with plenty of ice. If you would like to personalise your recipes further, experiment with different spices and aromas using our Infused Whisky Preparation & Tasting Kit.
Discover a new way to enjoy whisky
Whisky combines conviviality, refinement and an impressive range of aromas. With the Louise & Gaston kits, you can explore your own flavour combinations and create personalised whisky cocktails at home. Whether fresh and citrusy, fruity or classic, each recipe reveals a different side of this wonderfully versatile spirit.
