5 Must-Try Cocktails Featuring Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is gaining popularity among cocktail enthusiasts for its bold and spicy flavor profile. This whiskey, made with at least 51% rye, can add depth and complexity to your favorite cocktails. Here are five must-try cocktails featuring rye whiskey:
1. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. To make a Manhattan with rye whiskey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Stir the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.
2. Sazerac
The Sazerac cocktail is a New Orleans classic that has been around since the mid-1800s. It is a flavorful and aromatic drink that is perfect for sipping. To make a Sazerac with rye whiskey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- Absinthe
- Lemon peel, for garnish
Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass in the freezer. In another glass, muddle the sugar cube and Peychaud's bitters until the sugar dissolves. Add the rye whiskey and stir with ice. Rinse the chilled glass with absinthe, then discard the absinthe. Strain the rye mixture into the chilled glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
3. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that is both sweet and sour. It's a refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. To make a Whiskey Sour with rye whiskey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Lemon wheel, for garnish
Fill a shaker with ice and add the rye whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
4. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is another classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It's a simple drink that is perfect for sipping after a long day. To make an Old Fashioned with rye whiskey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters with a splash of water until the sugar dissolves. Add the rye whiskey and ice and stir until chilled. Garnish with an orange peel.
5. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. It's a sophisticated drink that is perfect for a night out. To make a Boulevardier with rye whiskey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange peel, for garnish
Add the rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
These five cocktails are just a few examples of the many ways you can enjoy rye whiskey in your cocktails. Whether you prefer your drinks sweet or sour, bold or subtle, there's a rye whiskey cocktail out there for you. Experiment with different combinations and find your new favorite drink.