What Are The Most Popular Whisky Cocktails?

Whisky cocktails are some of the most iconic and classic serves, but over the last few years, their popularity has somewhat dwindled. Margaritas, Mojitos, Martinis, and Piña Coladas have taken over, but we believe whisky is underrated and underordered when it comes to cocktails.

Nonetheless, the whisky classics are legendary and remain widely favoured, and when it comes to winter warmers, whisky can’t be beaten. We’ll cover those delicious concoctions, as well as the rest of the most ordered whisky serves in this Top 10.   

The Godfather

A contemporary classic, The Godfather is made of just two ingredients: Scotch whisky and amaretto, with the latter bringing sweet, almond, and stone-fruit flavour. Some people just have a dash of amaretto, others go half and half, but it’s a boozy alternative to water when it comes to softening the spirit, and enhancing any oaky, smoky notes.

Ingredients
60ml Scotch whisky
10ml amaretto

Method
Simply combine the two ingredients in a rocks glass filled with plenty of ice and enjoy. Leave a little bit of room so that you can add more amaretto if you wish!

The Rob Roy

Overshadowed by the similar Manhattan cocktail outside of the UK, this historic serve is named after Scottish hero Rob Roy MacGregor, who had just been the subject of an opera at the time of its creation. It’s short and crisp, and it’s great for really letting the whisky shine.

Ingredients
50ml Scotch whisky
20ml sweet white or red vermouth
A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry (garnish)

Method
All you need to do to make a Rob Roy cocktail is pour Scotch, vermouth and your bitters into a mixing glass and stir well with ice. Strain and garnish with a pretty cocktail cherry. Because no ice ends up in the cocktail, you might want to chill your glass beforehand.

The Rusty Nail

The origins of the Rusty Nail’s name are lost to history, but we do know that it was the Rat Pack’s love for it that cemented its place in cocktail history. If you just can’t get enough of whisky, then you have to try this because not only is Scotch the main ingredient, but the only other ingredient has it in too! Drambuie is a honey, spice, and Scotch liqueur, which gives a sweet and punchy feel. A sophisticated slow sipper that lets the whisky shine.

Ingredients
50ml Scotch whisky
20ml Drambuie

Method
Simply combine the liquids into a mixing glass and stir well before pouring over plenty of ice into a tumbler. As easy as that.

The Hot Toddy

Was this the tastiest medicine of all time? That’s how Hot Toddies began in 18th century Scotland, as a way to fight back the chills and colds of the brutal cold weather. Whisky is the king of hot cocktails, and the soothing intensity of flavour of a Hot Toddy is perfection on a cold night. Riffs are plentiful with this cocktail, as you can see here, but this original is just the ticket.

Ingredients
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml hot water
35ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label is great)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Use a handled glass to see those alluring colours (or just a mug will do) and first add hot water (just below boiling). Using the cinnamon stick, stir whisky, lemon juice and honey until everything is the same viscosity and then taste. Adapt with sugar or lemon or even more whisky for personal preference!

The Irish Coffee

We adore Irish Coffees at The Three Drinkers, so much so that we’ve got our own special guide for them here. And it seems like the UK does too because it’s one of our favourite hot drinks, competing with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The recipe goes back to Ireland in the 1940s at Foynes Airport, and you can find the full interesting backstory watching The Three Drinkers in Ireland. Indulgent, warming and velvety – nom.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot coffee
45ml Irish whiskey
Cream lightly whipped

Method
Heat your glass first, before adding sugar, fresh coffee, and Irish whiskey. Pour the cream over the back of a spoon so that it sits seductively on top and enjoy – slainte!

The Mint Julep

The Mojito for whisky lovers, a good Mint Julep lures you in with icy freshness, before punching with sophisticated flavours. There aren’t many ingredients in play here, so it’s all about the quality of them and the ratios. It’s a Southern States favourite but you can find it across the world in many bars.

Ingredients
65ml bourbon
10 mint leaves (save some for garnish)
15ml sugar syrup

Method
Shake bourbon, mint, and syrup with ice before straining into a highball glass or julep tin, filled with crushed ice. If you want more minty flavour then use more mint, or muddle slightly. Stir well and add a mint leaf for aesthetics and fragrance.

The Sazerac

With whiskey and absinthe in the mix, this is a dangerous serve indeed. It’s seen as the cousin of one of the more popular cocktails later on this list, and it was crowned the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008. A twist of lemon or orange is a necessity to soften the boozy intensity a touch. Rye whiskey is the traditional spirit used (though it was French brandy centuries ago), creating a peppery, anise-laced bright and breezy mix.

Ingredients
 Absinthe rinse
10ml syrup
15ml chilled water
3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
1 dash of Angostura bitters
50ml rye whiskey/bourbon
Orange twist for garnish

Method
Swirl absinthe round your glass. Ideally, you’d pour what’s left into the next glass and repeat but if you’re only making yourself a cocktail, then just try to use as little as possible to avoid wastage. Combine syrup, bitters, water, and whiskey in a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into your glass and garnish with orange for those gorgeous citrus oils.

The Whisky Sour

These last three cocktails are far and away the most popular whisky serves across the world. Closer to home, the Whisky Sour was the most ordered cocktail by men in the UK in 2017 – not just whiskey but full stop! Out of all the cocktails on this list, this is probably the hardest to pin down, but it absolutely has to be included. It first appeared as a Boston Sour in the 1870s, and now has tonnes of variations. Sometimes though, simple is best, and the below recipe is the modern classic.

Ingredients
50ml Bourbon
35ml lemon juice
12½ml sugar syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
½ fresh egg white
Cherry/orange/lemon for garnish

 Method
Shake everything very thoroughly with ice and strain into an ice filled glass. Many garnishes go well with this so take your pick out of cocktail cherries, orange twists or lemon wedges.

The Manhattan

Legend goes that this popular order was first designed for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother in 1870s NYC. Rye whisky is used, but because of its Prohibition history, Canadian whiskey has always played a big role too. Modern incarnations have taken it down various routes, from sweet and sour to swapping out the whiskey for rum or tequila.

Ingredients
50ml bourbon
25ml sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Brandied cherry for garnish

Method
Combine everything in a mixing glass and stir well with ice until it feels chilled. Strain and garnish with a cherry, or ideally a brandied cherry! Delish.

The Old Fashioned

Consistently one of the most searched for and sought after whiskey cocktails (even since Mad Men finished), the Old Fashioned is the most popular whiskey cocktail. It’s so simple because it’s effectively a glass of whiskey with a twist. Usually made from bourbon or rye, Angostura bitters, sugar and water are added to lighten, sharpen, and sweeten the mix. The polls show that this remains America’s favourite cocktail – over 200 years old and still going strong.

Ingredients
50ml bourbon/rye
Brown sugar cube
Splash of water
2 drops of Angostura bitters
Twist of orange to garnish

Method
Muddle (with the back of a spoon for example) sugar, water, and some orange peel. Make sure the sugar is dissolved – that’s essential. Fill the glass with ice, before slowly adding your chosen whisky and stirring. Orange twist for garnish and you’re all set.

Well now you’ve got your recipes, you need your star of the show – whisky! We’ve got some unique Scotch whiskies here, and delicious Irish whiskeys here!

The Best Boozy Coffee and Hot Chocolate Recipes

Is there anything better than a steaming hot drink when it’s cold outside? Well, maybe – booze! These grown up coffee, hot chocolate and tea cocktails are deliciously comforting, but also pack a punch, be that with Baileys, whisky, rum or whatever! Decadent, indulgent and utterly soothing – treat yourself to one of the beautiful recipes below.

Baileys Hot Choc

This is a classic, and of course you don’t have to use Baileys (find alternatives here), but it’s a winter favourite that lots of you will have in the cupboards. This recipe keeps it fairly simple because there’s already a lot of delicious flavours going on, but try including different creams, cinnamon, and/or coffee liqueurs if you fancy going all out. Rich whiskey undertones, a sweet hot chocolate hug and the soft texture of whipped cream – nom. We’d recommend making the hot choc with water but if you want it even thicker, then try a half and a half mix, or all milk – it’s up to you of course.

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method
Make your hot chocolate separately (try it so it’s just right) and pour it gently over your Baileys. That really is it, unless you top up with whipped cream and some grated chocolate for a special touch… which we always recommend.

Irish Coffee

One of the most indulgent and delightfully rich winter warmers, Irish Coffee is pretty much mandatory at this time of year. It’s so warming and velvety smooth, and if you’ve never clicked with it then try out all these subtle variations here. The fundamentals don’t change too much from Irish whiskey, black coffee, and cream, usually with some sugar too, but like any simple classic, adjust it to your preference. This original recipe is the one we recommend for waking you up and soothing the soul.

Ingredients
45ml quality Irish whiskey (like Powers or Teeling)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot, fresh coffee
20ml double cream (can lightly whip)

Method
Preheat your glass a little, and slowly add your favourite whiskey, sugar, and coffee. Once combined nicely, pour your cream over the back of a spoon (a valuable skill to learn), making an inviting and luxurious cream top. Slainte!

Hot Scotch Tea

At its essence, this is a Hot Toddy tea remix. In fact, some Hot Toddies are actually made with tea. For so many people, tea is the most comforting and familiar drink there is, so combining that with this sweet and warming tonic to battle the cold weather is magical. Combining different teas and whiskies for this is great fun, but regular English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Rooibos works a treat. Also, if you’re into Japanese whisky then try using that with green tea – it’s big over there as a chilled drink, but would work hot too.

Ingredients
1 clove
1 cinnamon stick
½ lemon juiced
1/2 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml tea
40ml Whisky
Lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Add your tea first, and then mix in the whisky, lemon juice and honey until it’s completely disappeared – it needs a good stir. Chuck in the clove and the cinnamon if you like it and let them infuse. There are no hard rules, so just add more whisky (oomph), or more lemon (less sweet), or more honey if needed (more sweet).

Spanish Coffee

Carajilo, popular in Spain and Mexico, is the combination of fresh coffee, sugar and liqueur or spirits, and this showy variation on it, more popular stateside, is delicious. Brandy is common, but dark rum is gorgeous, bringing together a rich, caramelly flavour that pairs with the orange liqueur, coffee liqueur and coffee for a dessert style hot cocktail with intense flavour and kick. It can also be set alight if you wish! (see the method below).

Ingredients
25ml dark rum
35ml coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
25ml Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
90ml strong coffee
Whipped cream (or 25ml heavy cream)
Granulated sugar (for rim)
Orange/lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Rub the lemon or orange wedge around the rim of your glass and roll it in sugar (make sure it’s super fine and shake off any excess bits). Now, once you’ve poured in your rum and orange liqueur, you have a choice. You can dazzle guests and set them alight, thereby caramelizing the sugar rim before extinguishing it with the coffee liqueur. Or, you can just add the coffee liqueur and do without the flames. Depends how brave you’re feeling! Top up with hot coffee and float the cream using the back of a spoon.

Vert Chaud

The Vert Chaud, or Chaud Vert, is a classic après ski drink popular in the French Alps, and no wonder because not everyone has chartreuse lying around. But, even though is a bit pricey it’s adored by so many, and here the powerful, herbaceous, peppery notes and fresh palate combine gloriously with hot chocolate. The minty flavours in particular come out with the heat, creating a mint-chocolate paradise.

Ingredients
40ml green chartreuse
120ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
Super simple pouring of both into a handled glass or mug, stirring to combine. The whipped cream tempers the intensity of the chartreuse nicely and puts a cap on the boozy aroma for the first sip, but it’s up to you as always.

Hot ‘n’ Minty White Russian

This warm twist on the classic offsets silky sweet white-hot chocolate against hearty vodka, rich espresso and distinctly, a cooling, flavoursome peppermint syrup. It’s thick and full-bodied, with that lush chocolate and lively espresso, packs a vodka punch, and the peppermint touches the lighter side of the palate.

Ingredients
25ml vodka
25ml espresso shot
80ml white hot chocolate
15ml peppermint syrup
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
You could combine everything in a saucepan so it’s nice and hot, but if the espresso and white-hot chocolate are nice and hot, then simply combining and pouring in vodka and peppermint syrup should come out at a drinkable temp. Whipped cream if you like to finish!

It’s easy to look at something like peppermint syrup and think that it needs buying or is complicated, but syrups are actually some of the easiest things to make and can completely elevate your cocktails. For more syrup recipes, go here!

Perfect Drinks to Keep You Warm on Guy Fawkes Night

Remember, remember the 5th of November, as a time to indulge in the cosiest, most soothing cocktails of the year. In front of a crackling bonfire, gazing up at fireworks or staying snug indoors these warming concoctions complete the evening to perfection. So, whether you’re into Baileys, Cider, Wine, Gin, or Whiskey, we’ve got the drink to elevate your Bonfire Night to the next level.

Baileys Hot Choc

You can kinda take this as far as you want regarding whipped cream, grated chocolate, coffee liqueurs and all sorts, but keeping it fairly simple works a treat. Of course, other Irish Creams are out there (check these), but for easy familiarity and reliable indulgence, Baileys with hot chocolate however you like it is classically idyllic in front of the bonfire. The Baileys is thick enough to make the hot choc with water, but as always, go with whatever you think is best!

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hciderot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method
Knock up the hot choc separately and pour it gently over your Baileys. That’s literally it. Unless of course you want to go the whole hog with cream and grated chocolate and we wouldn’t blame you for that at all.

Cider Hot Toddy

The hearty world of hot cider is a wonderful Autumn accompaniment. Whisky is the obvious pairing, as with most Toddies, but try this one with spiced rum instead. Those winter spices of cinnamon and nutmeg come to life in as the cider warms, and mingling with the warm, caramel spice of the rum, you end up with an apple pie style drink that is about as soothing as it’s possible to imagine.

Ingredients
100ml cider (try Toffee Apple flavour for extra sweetness and nostalgia)
40ml spiced rum
Sprinkle of cinnamon/half a cinnamon stick
Sprinkle of nutmeg

Method
Very gently heat the cider in a pan and be careful to not boil, stirring continuously. Add your cinnamon stick and sprinkle of nutmeg, as well as your rum nearer the end. Pour into your mug or flask, cup your hands and enjoy.

Mulled Wine

Our favourite way to use leftover wine, mulled wine is a staple of the colder months and rightly so. Don’t make the mistake of going super cheap because even though we’re heating it through, you will notice. Go for big, bold wine that will carry strong flavour and smooth mouthfeel. We recommend fresh cranberries that will soften up when heating, but just add a nice textural and acidic crunch. Try and avoid just adding sugar when there’s so much natural fruity sweetness, instead, include plenty of cinnamon, Grand Marnier liqueur if you have it (brings rich fruity Cognac and orange), or honey. Delish.

Ingredients (for 6)
750ml bottle of Red Wine (Zinfandel, Primitivo, Grenache)
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 quartered orange
1 star anise
Small handful of fresh cranberries
100ml Grand Marnier (optional)
2 tbsp honey (optional)

Method
Add your wine to the pan and very slowly begin heating through, always stirring as you add your spices and fruits. Do not let it get anywhere near boiling and add your Grand Marnier (if included) towards the end before turning off the heat and letting everything infuse for at least 30 mins. Then simply strain and serve!

Mulled Gin

For something deliciously different this Bonfire Night, how about Mulled Gin? Sure, it won’t quite be the delicate, chilled exploration of botanicals that gin drinkers are used to, but it more than makes up for that in other areas. Aromatic spices, sweet apple, and vibrant, fresh citrus all tease out different corners of the gin to make something beautifully rounded. Sweetness, richness, herbaceous notes, inviting fragrance and that soothing, comforting quality perfect for Autumn.

Ingredients (for 4)
200ml dry gin (bold character)
400ml good apple juice
½ lemon
1 bay leaf
1 clove
1 cardamom pod
½ cinnamon stick
2tsp honey
2 or 3 black peppercorns
2 or 3 juniper berries (optional)
Lemon slice (garnish)

Method
Remember, unlike other mulled concoctions, we’re not heating the gin here. Divide the gin into your glasses, and then combine everything else into a large pan, warming gently. Again, don’t let it boil and just as the first bubbles form, take it off the heat and allow it to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes. Pour and stir to combine with the gin and garnish with lemon.

Hot Toddy

The traditional Hot Toddy might just be the king of cozy cocktails. There are so many delicious variations, but we’re going for the original here. You find some recipes that are simple as water, whisky, and sugar, but we think that fresh lemon to slice through, a touch of honey for silky sweetness, and Autumn spices are a must. Balanced, dreamy sweetness that soothes the soul – ah!

Ingredients
40ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label works great)
120ml hot water
1 clove
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 small cinnamon stick
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Nice and simple, you’ve just got to combine everything. Leave the water till last and just top up to the top with it, make sure everything is thoroughly mixed and infused and then taste. It’s easy to adjust if it isn’t spot on – just add more of what it’s missing!

Irish Coffee

Rich, warming, velvety smooth and full of indulgence, the Irish Coffee is a must for Guy Fawkes Night. The fundamentals are Irish whiskey, black coffee, and cream, usually with some sugar too, but like any classic, you can adjust it to your taste. We’ve got different recipes for more fruit, more spice, more peat etc. here, but you can’t go wrong with this original recipe to wake you up.

Ingredients
45ml quality Irish whiskey (like Powers or Teeling)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot, fresh coffee
20ml double cream (can lightly whip)

Method
Preheat your glass and gradually add your chosen whiskey, syrup, and freshly brewed coffee. Once mixed nicely, pour your cream over the back of a spoon so it sits invitingly on top. Slainte!

If you want a bigger selection of whiskies that suit Irish Coffee down to the ground, have a look through these.

The Best Whiskey for Irish Coffee

Winter warmer season is in full swing, and wrapping your hands around an Irish Coffee warms the body and soul like little else... but only if the whiskey is spot on. Whilst they’re super easy to make, picking the ideal whiskey for however you like your Irish Coffee is the most important part, so pick your star of the show from the list below!

Powers

Dating back to a staggering 1791, Powers is the traditionalist’s whiskey option for their Irish Coffee. It’s got great complexity for the under £30 price point that will add layers to your coffee and keep it interesting until the end. It’s really smooth with gorgeous buttery shortbread notes, caramel and even a hint of chocolate adding to the indulgent experience.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.90

Jameson Stout Edition

Jameson tops the sales charts for Irish whiskey across the globe and whilst their original is a fantastic beginner’s option for Irish Coffee, their stout-seasoned barrel-aged edition is a level up. Alongside the signature easy-drinking smoothness and subtle fruitiness we expect from Jameson, this innovative mix boasts lingering chocolate, coffee and butterscotch notes that are dying to be the star of your next Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: UK £23.99 / US $36.99

Slane Whiskey

Slane is stunning for the price with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Three different casks are used (seasoned casks containing bourbon, sherry and oak) to create a really full and satisfying taste, with rounded buttery vanilla notes. There are also hints of baking spice so it’s ideal for an Irish Coffee with a bit of heat behind the heat if you know what we mean. Indulgence in a mug!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £24.45 // US $32.99

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

For just over £20, Kilbeggan is steadfast and reliable for an Irish Coffee. Smooth, light and more noticeably, it’s distilled twice rather than three times over so retains earthy peaty qualities that will go perfectly with certain coffees. Kilbeggan is named after one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland and the distillery itself is claimed to be the oldest of its type in the entire country, so it’s a taste of history too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £22.44 / US $35.99

Roe and Co

Matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels and a blended mix of single malt and grain whiskeys, this Master award winning expression is spot on for an Irish Coffee with full and deep flavours. There’s creaminess, velvet texture, lofty notes of spiced pears, mellow vanilla and toasted oak that feels perfectly rich and warming for winter.  

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £31.95 // US $38.99

Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

This is another whiskey that has a Master award sitting in its cabinet, but it’s more unusual. The malt and grain blend matures in ex-bourbon but is then moved to rum casks for a whole year before being bottled without chill-filtration. The texture is super smooth and behind that is bold flavouring that you can bet won’t die in the heat. Fruitiness from the rum entangles with vanilla and caramel cream for a wonderfully rich and varied palate. Combined with the coffee, there will be serious flavours happening so it’s got to be worth seeing if you love it.   

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $39.99

The Sexton Single Malt

Sexton is the go-to Irish Coffee whiskey for quite a few bartenders and that’s because of the delicious and authentic flavour. Made from 100% malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills, it’s then aged in Oloroso sherry casks imparting an inviting fruitiness. Vanilla, dried fruits and honeycomb sweetness are bold but restrained in the right places. The only negative is that the gorgeous vintage bottle makes it difficult to see how much you’re getting through, and when you take your first sip, you’ll see why that may present an issue.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £30 // US $29.99

Sliabh Liag Silkie Blended Irish Whiskey

The Silkies of Irish legend are seals that shapeshifted into irresistible beings on land, and it looks like some of them then transformed into whiskey bottles too because this is just as irresistible. Made in Donegal at the relatively new Sliabh Liag distillery, it is fruity and balanced with precision. From apricot on the nose, to honey on the palate and toasted caramel on the finish, there’s a sweet vein running throughout but it’s surrounded by plenty of character and intrigue that will easily shine through a hot Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £30.45

Green Spot Single Pot Irish Still Whiskey

This is a fabulous single pot still whiskey that’s been impressing critics for some time. Bourbon and then sherry casks create an enchanting nose of apple, malt, sugary porridge, creamy vanilla and tropical fruits, which opens up to a soft and spicy palate that feels interestingly fragrant yet woody. Far from being a whiskey that drags its feet, this is super light and complex and perfect for a sophisticated and endlessly rewarding Irish Coffee.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £39.99/ US $76.99

If you’re looking for the perfect Irish Coffee recipes, look no further, we’ve done the hard work for you!