The 5 Best Whiskey Cocktails Even Non-Whiskey Drinkers will Love
I have to come clean. I haven’t always been a huge fan of whiskey. I thought of whiskey as a drink that was too assertive, smokey, and downright undrinkable. So even whiskey cocktails weren’t my favorite.
That changed about a year ago when I found Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon. I haven’t looked back since!
Disclosure: This post contains recommended products I have personally used and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click the link at no cost to you. Read my disclaimer here.
You're Going to Love This Whiskey
Woodford Reserve has a complex yet incredibly smooth flavor. I enjoy drinking it so much now that I often drink it straight, which is a massive compliment to the overall taste of the whiskey. Gary and I liked it so much that we featured two signature whiskey cocktails at our engagement party.
Having experimented with creating cocktails to make it easier for my anti-whiskey friends and family to enjoy, I think I’ve finally cracked the code on whiskey cocktails. This collection of 5 recipes is super simple and perfect for serving to anyone who claims they’re not a whiskey drinker.
If you are someone who thinks you don't like whiskey, give these cocktails a try!
The Reneze // Blood Orange Smash
We served two specialty Woodford Reserve cocktails at our engagement party, and The Reneze was the winner over The Gary Kentucky Mule.
This drink is made special with the inclusion of the Blood Orange Smash Mix, a beautiful combination of sweet and tart, to create an incredibly complex drink that takes the delightful taste of the whiskey to a whole other level.
The garnish of the blood orange wheel, rosemary, or both, is optional for the drink. Still, I love how it elevates an already beautiful drink to something spectacular, so definitely include it if you can!
Ingredients:
2 Dashes Peach Bitters
Garnish with Orange
Instructions:
Fill a whiskey glass with ice
Add Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Peach Bitters, and Blood Orange Smash Mix. Stir well.
Garnish with blood orange wheel or rosemary
Enjoy!
The Gary // Kentucky Mule
Traditional mules include vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and mint; they're a classic for a reason. They are refreshing, bubbly, and spicy, making the perfect drink for a hot summer day.
If you love Moscow Mules but have yet to try a Kentucky Mule, this is the ideal drink to try if you aren't usually a fan of bourbon whiskey! The vodka is replaced with Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which makes a much better accompaniment to ginger beer because it can hold its own against the pungent flavor of ginger.
To make the cocktail go down even more smoothly, lime is replaced with orange bitters, which have a distinct citrusy flavor and a variety of spices that pair exceptionally well with whiskey. I dare you to try to drink just one!
Instructions:
In a copper mug, add ice and Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Squeeze lime half into a mug, and add Orange Bitters
Top with ginger beer
Garnish with a lime wheel
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Half of a Lime
Ice
Spiced Apple Sparkler
Apple isn't the first flavor that comes to mind when thinking about the flavors in whiskey, so this might seem like a surprising combination, and you'd be right! That said, this cocktail is incredible. Not overly sweet, lightly flavored, and bright from the apple, this drink feels both festive and fresh.
To add a subtle sweetness, this cocktail is paired with Prosecco for a bubbly finish but could easily be substituted with sparkling water in a pinch.
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Shake well.
Double strain into a flute glass
Garnish with cranberries or apples
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1/2oz. Lemon Juice
1/2oz. Woodford Reserve x William Sonoma Spiced Apple Cocktail Mixer
4oz. Prosecco
Ice
Kentucky Kiss
A modern twist on the classic bourbon smash, this drink is a bold balance of sweet and tart. Though this drink could be served any time of year, fresh summer strawberries will take this daring yet delicious cocktail to another level.
Instructions:
Add cut-up strawberries, molasses, and lemon juice to an old-fashioned glass. Muddle well.
Add Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey and ice.
Top with lemon-lime soda. Mix well.
Garnish with a strawberry.
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
4 Strawberries
1 tbsp. Molasses
½ oz. Lemon Juice
2 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda
Ice
Bourbon Cherry Bomb
Cherry and bourbon are a match made in heaven. Black cherries are known for their perfect sweet flavor. Adding a touch of smokiness from the syrup creates a rich flavor when paired with the whiskey. And who could resist that dark burgundy color?
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker. Shake well.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with rosemary.
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
0.5oz Lemon Juice
Ice
RECENTLY ON THE BLOG
