5 Simple Whiskey Cocktails to Make This Summer
These cocktails, all of which require just one shot of whiskey and easily accessible ingredients, should become summer staples.
A well-made whiskey cocktail is a nice reward at the end of any day. But sometimes classic cocktails are too much. For one thing, unless you’re a seasoned drink-slinger, many whiskey cocktails are often too complicated — or intensive — to whip up at the end of a long day (Hey if you want to shake the hell out of that classic whiskey sour, go right ahead). For another, the alcohol content of one concoction can quickly equal that of two or three regular drinks. Sometimes this is great; other times, not so much. Because while we’d like this to not be the case, “falling asleep in the chair” is not really a regular item on the nightly to-do list.
That’s what inspired this list of one-shot whiskey cocktails. They’re all great to sip at the end of the day but won’t put you on your ass — or require four kinds of hooch and one of those hilariously long copper mixing spoons. They’re simple, refreshing, and very drinkable. What more do you want from a summer cocktail?
1. The Blinker
What is it? The Blinker is a simple, refreshing drink made with grapefruit juice and rye whiskey. While they might not seem like the most obvious combination, one sip and it might just become your new summer go to.
Try it with: Michter’s Rye. It’s bold enough to shine through the intensity of the grapefruit tang.
How to Make a Blinker
Ingredients
1-2oz Rye 2-3oz fresh grapefruit juice 1oz raspberry syrup
Instructions: Shake over ice and strain into a coupe glass.
2. Bourbon and Georgia Peach Coca-Cola
What is it? A way better version of the classic whiskey and Coke.
Try it with: Knob Creek. The strong vanilla notes compliment the peach flavoring.
How to make a Bourbon and Georgia Peach Coca-Cola:
Ingredients
1-2oz Knob Creek Bourbon
4-6oz Georgia Peach Coca-Cola Garnish with a fresh slice of peach
Instructions: Fill a highball glass with ice and add all the ingredients.
3. The Bourbon Bloody Mary
What is it? The vodka brunch classic made with bourbon. Whiskey gives the drink a subtle hint of smoke and more depth than the original.
Try it with: Bulleit Bourbon. The whiskey’s citrus and spice notes accentuate the punch of the tomato and the heat of the hot sauce.
How to Make a Bourbon Bloody Mary:
Ingredients
1-2oz bourbon
4oz Bloody Mary mix (we like McClure’s) A few generous dashes of Worcestershire sauce Dash of Tapatio hot sauce Garnish with black pepper and a kosher pickle spear
Instructions: Fill a highball glass with ice and add all ingredients. Stir.
4. Japanese Highball
What is it? A whisky-soda with a rock and roll kick. A good Japanese malt gives this classic a radically different profile.
Try it with: Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky. The whisky is fruity and floral and the tiny bubbles from the soda atomize the nose to create a fragrantly charming and refreshing cocktail
How to make a Japanese Highball
Ingredients
1-2oz whisky
4oz club soda
Directions: Fill a Collins glass with ice. Add ingredients. Stir briefly.
The Single Malt Old-Fashioned
What is it? It’s just an Old Fashioned made with Scotch instead of rye or bourbon. The Old Fashioned is a perfect cocktail and normally we don’t like to tinker with perfection. But, variety is the spice of life and Scotch is, and always will be our first love.
Try it with: Ardbeg 10. This single malt adds a big peaty smoke as well as a touch of salt and pepper for a more layered drink.
How to make a Single Malt Old Fashioned:
Ingredients
1-2oz Single Malt Scotch
2-3 Dashes of bitters 1 Tsp of simple syrup Top with 1oz club soda Orange peel for garnish
Directions: Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add the ingredients.
Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
This article was originally published on
