With a bold and distinctive flavor profile reminiscent of spicy fruit, smoke, oak, and a ubiquitous peppery finish that lends it character and warmth, rye whiskey is all the rage — fast growing in popularity among a new generation of whiskey lovers. If you love the signature piquancy it offers and can’t get enough, we’re here to show you how to turn your favorite whiskey into modern cocktails with complex and versatile flavors. Keep reading for 4 of the best rye whiskey cocktails you can enjoy with your friends on a Friday night.
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Black Manhattan
A simpler variation of the classic Manhattan, this rendition acquires flavor depth by adding amaro’s herbal and caramel notes. You’ll need 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of Averna amaro, 1 dash of Angostura bitters, and 1 dash of orange bitters. Blend all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir. Once chilled, strain into a chilled coupe glass.
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Bananarac
This remarkable rye whiskey cocktail is a conversation starter with the inclusion of tropical fruit banana, which adds a unique twist that’s both delicious and smooth on the palate. Start by coating the inside walls of a chilled rocks glass with a small amount of absinthe and discard the excess. Mix 1 ounce of Old Overholt rye whiskey, 1 ounce of Tariquet, VSOP Armagnac, 1/2 ounce of Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur, 1/2 teaspoon of simple demerara syrup, and 1 dash of The Bitter Truth Old Time aromatic bitters. Strain into the glass and layer it with ice. Finish by twisting a lemon peel to impart its citrus oils.
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The Waldorf Cocktail
A classic after-dinner drink, the Waldorf cocktail features a complex flavor profile with a hint of absinthe for added dimension. This rye whiskey cocktail includes an exciting amalgamation of diverse flavors that roll right off the palate. Get the juices flowing by mixing 1/4 ounce of absinthe or anise liqueur, 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of bitters. Use the absinthe to coat the insides of a chilled cocktail glass, and discard the excess. Pour the liquid into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir, strain, and enjoy.
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Preakness
A different take on a traditional Manhattan, the addition of benedictine creates dimensionality that’s contrasted by the fusion of rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Start by mixing 1 1/2 ounces of American rye whiskey, 3/4 ounces of sweet vermouth, 1/4 ounces of Benedictine, 1 dash of Angostura bitters, and a lemon twist to garnish. Pour the liquids into a mixing glass with ice, stir, strain, and serve. Finish by adding a lemon twist as a garnish.
Shop premium rye whiskey from the Quality Liquor Store
At the Quality Liquor Store, we offer a wide selection of top rye whiskeys that are designed for serious sipping. Whether you’re looking for limited edition rye whiskey infused with notes of mellow fruits, chamomile, cocoa, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla or six-year-old rye whiskey aged in new handmade fine grain charred American oak barrels, you’re bound to find it in our store.
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