World Whisky Day is coming up, and we've looked at the 3 most popular whisky cocktails you need to know
World Whisky Day is the perfect excuse to go beyond the neat pour and explore just how versatile whisky can be. Whether you like it bold, sweet, or citrus-led, these three classic cocktails showcase whisky at its best.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is simplicity at its finest — strong, smooth, and timeless.
Ingredients
- 50ml bourbon or rye whisky
- 1 sugar cube (or 10ml sugar syrup)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Ice
Method
Stir sugar and bitters in a glass (add a splash of water if using a cube). Add whisky and ice, then stir until well chilled. Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in to finish.
Whisky Sour
Fresh, sharp, and beautifully balanced — the Whisky Sour is a crowd favourite for a reason.
Ingredients
- 50ml whisky
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 15–20ml simple syrup
- Optional: 15ml egg white (for foam)
- Ice
- Lemon slice or cherry to garnish
Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker. If using egg white, dry shake first, then shake again with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish.
Rob Roy
Think of this as a Scotch-led Manhattan — elegant, smooth, and slightly sweet.
Ingredients
- 50ml Scotch whisky
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Maraschino cherry or lemon twist
Method
Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until chilled. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass and garnish.
