Our Guide to the Greatest Whisky Cocktails

August 15, 2025

A Guide to the Greatest Whisky Cocktails

Whisky is a strongly flavoured spirit which is loved the world over thanks to its distinctive taste and versatility when it comes to mixers and cocktails. Created using fermented, malted grains, different whiskeys have different characteristics depending on how they are made and distilled, creating a wide kaleidoscope of flavours ranging from smoky to peaty.

With so many different whiskeys available on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to discover the exact taste, flavour and sensation you’re looking for when it comes to creating the perfect whiskey on the rocks or whisky-based cocktail.

At the Awesome Hamper Company, we love a good whiskey. So much so, we’ve created a range of whiskey-based gifts, including whisky hampers, for those who enjoy a tipple now and again. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some of our whiskey expertise, helping you to discover the perfect flavour to suit you.

What are the differences between different types of whiskey?

In total, there are around nine distinctive types of whiskey that are available, sourced from all corners of the world.

From Irish and American whiskey, through to Scottish whiskey and even Japanese whiskey, there are literally hundreds to choose from.

The most popular and well known forms of whiskey tend to be from Scotland (known as Scotch), Irish and American whiskey (including bourbon). You’ll find plenty of these types of whiskey on supermarket shelves up and down the country, and includes well known brands such as Jameson's and Jack Daniels.

There are an array of different flavours when it comes to different types of whiskey. Scotch tends to have an earthy, smoky flavour, whilst Irish whiskey is much more smoother on the palette. On the other side of the spectrum is Japanese whiskey which offers a much smokier, drier flavour thanks to the barley used in its production and the wooden caskets it is stored in.

What mixers should you use with whiskey?

For some people, whiskey doesn’t need to be mixed with anything. It's true that enjoying whiskey neat or over ice (on the rocks) is a traditional way of enjoying this unique beverage. However, the taste of whiskey can still be enjoyed by those who prefer their drink to not be as strong by mixing a measure of whiskey with a mixer, or enjoying it as part of a cocktail.

In our opinion, one of the best mixers to try with a whiskey is a ginger beer. The subtle taste of ginger perfectly complements the smoky aroma and the depth of flavour of a good whiskey, adding a refreshing fizz, especially when combined with a few ice cubes.

However, if you’re just looking for a bit of fizz and to not add any extra flavour, traditional soda water is a good option. You can make the drink as weak or as strong as you like, whilst still enjoying the bubbles!

Whilst there is no denying that coke also makes a fantastic mixer for whiskey. The sweetness of this fizzy beverage, combined with the strong taste of whiskey creates a taste bud tingling mixture of sweet and smoky flavours. Absolutely perfect if you have a bit of a sweet tooth!

What cocktails are made using whiskey?

As a spirit which has been around for generations, it's unsurprising that there is a whole host of cocktails which are created using whiskey as a base.

Many classic cocktails feature whiskey as a base ingredient including  an ‘Old Fashioned’ (a simple combination of bitters, sodas and orange), ‘Whiskey Sour’ (which believe it or not contains egg whites as one of its ingredients) and ‘Manhattans’.

As whiskey is so versatile it can be used in a wide array of cocktail recipes… Why not try to create your own next time you're enjoying a bottle of whiskey?

We've included below an image of one of our favourite whisky's - Jack Daniels. Did you know that the Jack Daniels distillery is in fact location in a 'dry country'? This means that the sale of alcohol here is actually prohibited but an exception has been made due to the worldwide popularity of this famous whisky.

The Best Whiskey Cocktails

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is the grandfather of all cocktails. With roots dating back to the early 1800s, it has stood the test of time thanks to its simplicity and elegance. It's a drink that puts the whisky front and center! A well-made Old Fashioned is smooth, slightly sweet, and finishes with the warmth of good bourbon or rye. This drink is ideal for sipping slowly and appreciating the craftsmanship of the spirit itself.

• 2 oz bourbon or rye

• 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp simple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel

Whisky Sour

A well-balanced Whisky Sour is both bright and smooth, offering a mix of citrus zing and mellow sweetness. It’s one of the most approachable cocktails for new whiskey drinkers, but still satisfying enough for seasoned fans. Adding egg white is optional, but it gives the drink a luxurious, silky mouthfeel and a frothy top that makes it feel like a treat, especially when a cocktail shaker is used to make it.

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz sugar syrup

• Optional: ½ oz egg white

Manhattan

Sophisticated and strong, the Manhattan is a cocktail that appeals to those who enjoy spirit-forward drinks. The combination of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters creates a robust flavour with herbal undertones and a touch of sweetness.

• 2 oz rye whiskey

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Scotch Whisky Based Cocktails

Penicillin

The Penicillin is a relatively modern popular whiskey cocktail that has earned its place among the greats. It brilliantly showcases the complexity of Scotch whisky, combining the honeyed sweetness of blended Scotch with fresh lemon juice and a touch of smoky Islay whisky.

Recipe:

• 2 oz blended Scotch

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ¾ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)

• ¼ oz Islay Scotch (for smoky float)

Blood and Sand

This underappreciated classic brings a surprising balance of sweet, smoky, and citrusy flavors. Named after the 1922 silent film, the Blood and Sand blends Scotch whisky with orange juice and sweet vermouth for a fruity, slightly earthy drink that’s both vibrant and smooth. It’s an excellent choice for those easing into Scotch cocktails, as the fruitiness tempers the whisky’s intensity.

• ¾ oz Scotch whisky

• ¾ oz sweet vermouth

• ¾ oz orange liqueur

• ¾ oz orange juice

Rob Roy

The Rob Roy is essentially a Manhattan made with Scotch instead of rye or bourbon, and the substitution makes all the difference. Where the Manhattan is warm and spicy, the Rob Roy leans more herbal and smoky, depending on the Scotch used. It’s a minimalist drink with maximum flavor, ideal for sipping slowly at the end of a long day. Choose a mellow blended Scotch for a smoother experience or a peaty single malt for extra depth.

Recipe:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Refreshing Whiskey Twists: For Daytime or Summer Sipping

Whiskey Highball

The Highball is proof that you don’t need many ingredients to make a great cocktail. With just whisky and soda water, this drink is all about refreshment. It’s light, bubbly, and incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for summer afternoons, casual lunches, or whisky beginners who prefer a lower-alcohol option.

• 2 oz whisky (Scotch or Japanese whisky works beautifully)

• 4–6 oz soda water

York Sour

The York Sour is a visually striking twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, topped with a float of red wine for a dramatic look and a deeper flavor profile. The wine adds tannins and fruitiness that contrast beautifully with the tart lemon and sweet syrup.

• 2 oz bourbon or rye

• ¾ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• ½ oz egg white (optional)

• ½ oz dry red wine (for float)

At the Awesome Hamper Company, we have a wide range of whiskey hampers and whiskey gift sets available for the whiskey connoisseur. Whatever the occasion, celebrate in style with the Awesome Hamper Company.

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