Whiskey Cocktails for Every Season: Recipes to Try at Home

Whiskey is a versatile liquor that can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail. With its distinctiveness and rich flavors, whiskey can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails that are perfect for any season. From refreshing summer drinks to warming winter concoctions, here are some whiskey cocktail recipes to try at home for each season.

Summer: Bourbon Peach Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. bourbon
• 3 oz. peach tea (brewed and cooled)
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. honey syrup
• Peach slices and mint sprigs for garnish

To make the honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and water together in a saucepan over low heat until the honey is dissolved. Let cool before using.

Directions:

1. Add bourbon, peach tea, lemon juice, and honey syrup to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until well combined.
3. Strain into a glass with ice.
4. Garnish with peach slices and mint sprigs.

Fall: Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. whiskey
• 1 oz. apple cider
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. maple syrup
• Dried apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Directions:

1. Add whiskey, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until well combined.
3. Strain into a glass with ice.
4. Garnish with dried apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Winter: Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. whiskey
• 1 oz. spiced cranberry syrup (recipe below)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

To make the spiced cranberry syrup, combine 1 cup cranberry juice, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved and then let simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool before using.

Directions:

1. Add whiskey, spiced cranberry syrup, and bitters to a glass with ice.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Garnish with an orange peel.

Spring: Strawberry Basil Whiskey Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. whiskey
• 3-4 strawberries
• 3 basil leaves
• 3/4 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• Strawberry and basil leaves for garnish

To make simple syrup, mix equal parts water and sugar together in a saucepan over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool before using.

Directions:

1. Muddle strawberries and basil leaves in a shaker.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice.
3. Shake until well combined.
4. Strain into a glass with ice.
5. Garnish with strawberries and basil leaves.

Conclusion:

With these whiskey cocktail recipes, you can enjoy your favorite liquor in different ways throughout the year. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing summer drink or a warming winter concoction, these recipes are perfect for every season. Impress your guests at your next gathering or indulge in a cocktail at home.