Easy Cocktails to Make at Home for Whisky Drinkers

After multiple lockdowns many of us have become experts at making cocktails at home. All those long nights in with no access to a bar or pub led to us getting creative in the beverage department, from mixing Margaritas and Mojitos to Pornstar Martinis, no alcohol in the cupboard was left unturned. Whether you prefer to hit the local or host your drinks at home, a cocktail is always a treat.

One spirit that can often be neglected when it comes to at home cocktails is our favourite: whisky. A whisky cocktail is delicious and unbeatable (in our opinion) for whisky drinkers and non-whisky drinkers alike. Discover our top easy whisky cocktails to make at home. Go to back to basics with these simple but delicious whisky cocktails that you’ll find yourself making time and time again. 

Manhattan

A true whisky cocktail classic, a Manhattan has been a staple since the late 19th Century when it was created in New York City. It is made by mixing whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters. A Manhattan has a complex flavour thanks to the sweet vermouth, which can contribute dark red fruit, subtle herbal hints or even undertones of vanilla and cola like flavours depending on which brand you choose. 

This cocktail is delicious and super simple to make at home, with only three ingredients included this cocktail is hard to get wrong. 

Ingredients 

• 75ml bourbon  
• 30ml sweet vermouth  
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters 
• ice 

Method

Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake before straining into a martini glass. Garnish with orange zest. 

Whisky Sour

This classic whisky cocktail has been a go-to cocktail for generations. It has a tart flavour with a silky-smooth consistency, that will leave you wanting to make this cocktail at home or ordering at the bar. Master the classic recipe and then you can get creative with other flavours of your choice. 

Ingredients 

• 60ml whisky 
• 25ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed 

• 15ml simple syrup  
• 15ml egg white (optional) 
• Angostura bitters for garnish 

Method

(Serves 1) 

Add the whisky, lemon juice, syrup and egg white to a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake (without ice). Add the ice and shake again until the mix is sufficiently chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and finish by adding a couple drops of bitter to the drink.  

Hot Toddy

A Hot Toddy is the perfect beverage during the cold seasons. It’s warming, tasty and even thought to help sore throats – what’s not to love?  All you need to make this tasty cocktail is hot water, whisky, honey and lemon. The whisky’s rich, smoky, deep flavour is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the honey and tart taste of the lemon – this cocktail is truly a winner and the perfect refreshment to cuddle up next to the fire with. 

Ingredients  

• 50ml whisky 

• 200ml water 
• 3 tsp honey 
• 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced 

Method

(Serves 2) 

Mix the honey and whisky together and add to your glass. Add the boiling water then add a splash of lemon juice to each. Complete your drink by adding a slice of lemon. 

Sazerac

This whisky cocktail is pure indulgence (and pure alcohol). Not for the faint hearted, this cocktail is made up of absinthe, whisky and bitters and a great choice for whisky drinkers. 

Ingredients

• 2 tsp absinthe 
• 50ml sugar syrup 
• 1 tsp Peychaud’s bitters 
• ½ tsp Angostura bitters 
• 200ml whisky 

• ice 
• 4 strips of orange zest 

Method

(Serves 4) 

Take four tumblers and add absinthe into one of the glasses. Swirl the absinthe around to coat the inside of the glass and then pour into the next glass. Repeat this process until all the glasses have been coated with absinthe. Divide the remainder equally between the glasses. 

Then add the syrup, the bitters and whisky to a large mixing glass. Add 25ml of water and a handful of ice, give it a stir until the glass is cold. Keep stirring until you have the desired taste.  

Finally strain into your glasses. Twist the orange zest over each glass to release the citrus oils and then drop it in to the glass. Serve and enjoy. 

Boulevardier 

This cocktail is whisky’s take on a Negroni. Get rid of the gin and add the whisky and voila you have a Boulevardier. The Negroni fans out there may even find that they prefer this version, it’s thought to be smoother and more well-balanced than the original gin-based cocktail, but we’ll let you be the judge of that when you make this whisky cocktail at home. 

Ingredients

• 30ml whisky 
• 30ml Campari 
• 30ml sweet vermouth 

Method 

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Once fully mixed, strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist. 

Ginger Highball

You’ve probably heard of the whisky highball, well this cocktail is a twist on the much loved classic. The original is made up of whisky and sparkling water, whilst this version has spiced ginger and lemon and is a lighter, more refreshing option. 

Ingredients

• 60ml whisky 
• 60-90ml ginger ale 
• 3 lemon slices 

Method

Add ice and lemon to a tall glass, then add the whisky before topping with ginger ale.  

Whether you’re hosting friends at home or having a quiet night in on your own, these easy cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate or unwind for whisky drinkers and whisky newcomers.