If you’re tired of subpar mixed beverages, you’re in the right place. We’ve tried the best whiskeys for various whiskey cocktails, and we’re here to share the best options for crafting exceptional drinks.
From classic bourbons to spicy ryes and even a charm of Irish whiskey or single malt, we’ve curated this list of the best whiskey for mixed drinks that will transform your cocktails from ordinary to extraordinary.
Are you ready to take your cocktail to the next level? Read on!
Top 15 Best Whiskey for Mixed Drinks
1. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel-Proof Bourbon
Average Price: Around $56.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 58.4% ABV
Nose: Bold and spicy with hints of toffee and vanilla
Palate: Full-bodied and rich, with notes of dark fruit and caramel
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: For a powerful punch of flavor in cocktails like the Kentucky Buck or the Barrel-Aged Manhattan, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is the way to go.
It blends well with other ingredients like ginger ale or ginger beer (in a Kentucky Buck), providing an enhanced cocktail experience.
This is one of the best whiskeys for those seeking a distinctive blend with complexity yet an exceptionally smooth and flavorful profile. For that, we prefer this over the Wild Turkey 101.
2. High West Campfire
Average Price: Around $73.69/750ml
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Smoky, with hints of honey and stone fruit
Palate: Sweet and smoky with a touch of spice
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: If you want a mixed cocktail with a smoky twist, we suggest High West Campfire due to its unique profile. It’s a good whiskey for crafting a smoky Campfire Manhattan or Rusty Nail.
“Whiskey is the key to unlocking the alchemy of unforgettable cocktails and timeless sipping pleasures.” – Liquor Laboratory
This blend is unconventional since it’s made from mixing bourbon, rye, and Scotch whiskey. We like the unique combination of flavors, delivering an exciting twist to your preferred cocktails.
3. Maker’s Mark Straight Bourbon
Average Price: Around $59.39/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Nose: Caramel and vanilla
Palate: Sweet and smooth, with hints of spice
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Maker’s Mark’s approachable sweetness and smoothness make it an excellent base for classic cocktails like the Mint Julep or a Bourbon and Ginger Beer.
It’s our favorite whiskey for its distinctively smooth and mellow character, without any bitterness or harshness. So, it mixes well with bourbon cocktails.
4. Four Roses Single-Barrel
Average Price: Around $45.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Floral and fruity notes
Palate: Complex, with notes of honey, pear, and baking spices
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: This so-called bourbon stands out in cocktails (beating Old Grand Dad), especially the classic Old Fashioned cocktails, where its complexity and depth shine.
This high-rye whiskey is aged seven to nine years, providing a long-lasting, mellow finish. We like this whiskey for mixing stirred drinks since it has a smooth taste – not overpowering.
Bartender Tip: As an alternative, you can try the Four Roses Yellow Label if you prefer a sweeter taste.
5. Jack Daniel’s Bonded
Average Price: Around $38.49/750ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and oak
Palate: Rich and full-bodied with spicy notes
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Jack Daniel’s Bonded imparts a bolder to any whiskey cocktail. This Tennessee whiskey elevates classics like the Lynchburg Lemonade with its robust flavor.
So, if you want to savor drinks with complexity and richness, Jack Daniel’s is one of the best whiskeys for cocktails, which gives (almost) the same complexity as Wild Turkey 101.
6. Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
Average Price: Around $39.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Floral and fruity with spice hints
Palate: Smooth and creamy, with notes of caramel and dried fruit
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Teeling Irish whiskey is the best whiskey for cocktails if you seek something oaky, particularly for Irish Coffee, Whiskey Smash, or Hot Toddy. Plus, its rum notes add a delightful twist to the cocktails.
The combination of malted barley and other grains during the making process creates oaky nuances, making it one of the top Irish whiskeys.
7. Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky
Average Price: Around $40.58% ABV
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Delicate with hints of green apple and basil
Palate: Light and crisp, with notes of honey and white pepper
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Suntory Toki’s elegance and lightness make it perfect for any lighter drink, like the Japanese-inspired cocktail Toki Martini.
If you want to deviate from the usual American whiskey, this Japanese whiskey is a must-try, which is lighter than most others mentioned here.
Also Read:
- Top Whiskeys For Shots
- Top Whiskeys For Old Fashioned
- Top Whiskeys On the Rocks
- Top Whiskeys For Ginger Ale
- Top Whiskeys To Mix With Coke
8. Knob Creek Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Around $39.19/750ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Vanilla, caramel, and oak
Palate: Full-bodied, with notes of toffee and nuts
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: This expression is the finest whiskey for mixing into cocktails or savoring neat if you prefer the classic rye profile. Actually, it won the “The Best Rye Whiskey” at the 2016 IWSC.
Its high-proof and rich flavor elevates cocktails like the Whiskey Smash or a simple Highball with ginger ale. This whiskey combines the superb qualities of bourbon with the zesty and spicy elements of rye.
9. Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch
Average Price: Around $37.70/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Malty with hints of orange zest and brown sugar
Palate: Creamy and well-balanced with notes of toffee and baking spices
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Monkey Shoulder’s blend of malt whiskies adds depth and complexity to cocktails like the Penicillin.
We like the fruity undertones and touch of robust spice, making this expression a standout addition to whiskey cocktails.
10. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Average Price: Around $34.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Nose: Vanilla, caramel, and spice
Palate: Sweet notes with hints of toffee and pepper
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Buffalo Trace’s balanced sweetness and spice make it a versatile whiskey for cocktails. Its reddish hues provide a glimpse into the intricate flavors of dark fruit and oak that grace the spirit.
We like how it adds depth and character to classics like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour.
11. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $34.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and oak
Palate: Rich and oaky with a touch of dark fruit
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: This bourbon’s higher proof and deep flavor profile make it an excellent whiskey for spirit-forward drinks like the Boulevardier or an elevated Old Fashioned.
We like this small batch bourbon for its rich complexity and the mix of wood and spice in its flavor. The bourbon smells good, with sweet notes on the finish.
12. Bulleit Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Around $32.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Nose: Spicy with a touch of sweet honey
Palate: Bold, with notes of cinnamon and rye spiciness
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Bulleit Rye’s bold flavor profile shines in cocktails like the Manhattan, where its spiciness and complexity complement vermouth and bitters perfectly.
Despite the spicy rye notes, it maintains a pleasant, velvety, and approachable profile. Besides making cocktails, it’s best enjoyed on the rocks.
13. Old Forester 100-Proof Rye
Average Price: Around $27.59/750ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Rich and oaky with caramel notes
Palate: Full-bodied with notes of dark chocolate and spice
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Both the bourbon and rye variations are a great base for a delicious cocktail. But, we prefer the rye whiskey for its robust flavor, especially for cocktails like the Sazerac or Kentucky Buck.
We like Old Forester Rye’s distinctive, moderately spicy, and flavorful profile, which is well-suited for crafting bold and spicy cocktails. Actually, this is a good substitute for Wild Turkey 101.
14. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Around $29.69/750ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Spicy with hints of orange peel and cinnamon candy
Palate: Bold and peppery with notes of caramel
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Rittenhouse Rye’s spicy character shines in cocktails like the Whiskey Sour or the Vieux Carré, where it adds a delightful kick.
We like the flavor combination with bright citrus undertones. Since it’s aged four years, it delivers a persistent and spicy finish, accented by a touch of maple.
15. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Average Price: Around $19.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Caramel, toasted oak, citrus notes
Palate: Classic bourbon sweetness with a hint of spice
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Evan Williams BiB is the best bourbon for the budget (same price range as the Old Grand Dad) that still delivers excellent flavor, ideal for mixing cocktails like the Mint Julep or Pisco Sour.
“The light music of whiskey falling into a glass—an agreeable interlude.” – James Joyce, Irish Novelist and Poet
It’s a robust 100-proof whiskey, delivering a strong punch. You’ll notice a warming and dry quality when sipped neat, but the bourbon’s finish is exceptionally smooth.
Note: Average prices are based on Drizly online. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs
What proof of whiskey is best for cocktails?
The ideal whiskey proof for cocktails varies depending on the drink. However, whiskeys with a proof range of 45%-50% ABV often strike the right balance, offering flavor without overwhelming the cocktail.
What straight bourbon whiskey is used for cocktails?
Bourbons like Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek are excellent choices for cocktails due to their balanced flavors and versatility.
What’s the best whiskey to mix with Coke?
The best whiskeys to mix with Coke could be Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey or Evan Williams, as their caramel and vanilla notes complement the cola perfectly.
Can you use any whiskey to make mixed drinks?
Yes, you can use any whiskey for cocktail drinks, be it Irish whiskey, Single Malt, Tennessee whiskey, Scotch, or even some Canadian whiskeys.
However, some are better suited than others due to their flavor profiles. So, it’s best to choose a whiskey that complements the flavors in your cocktail of choice.
What type of whiskey is best for mixed drinks?
The type of whiskey best for mixed drinks depends on personal preference and the specific cocktail being made. However, many bartenders and enthusiasts recommend using a versatile and budget-friendly option like blended Scotch whisky, bourbon, or rye whiskey for most mixed drinks.
Should I use single malt or blended whiskey in mixed drinks?
While single malt whiskies are prized for sipping neat or with a splash of water to appreciate their unique flavors, blended whiskies are often preferred for mixed drinks due to their smoother and more consistent profiles. However, some people enjoy experimenting with single malts in cocktails to highlight specific flavor notes.
What are some classic whiskey cocktails I can make?
Classic whiskey cocktails include the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, and Mint Julep. Each of these cocktails requires different types of whiskey and mixers, but they all showcase the versatility of whiskey in mixed drinks.
Does the quality of whiskey matter in mixed drinks?
While using high-quality whiskey can enhance the flavor of mixed drinks, it’s not always necessary, especially if you’re using the whiskey as part of a cocktail with other ingredients like fruit juices, syrups, or bitters. However, using a decent quality whiskey can elevate the overall taste of the cocktail.
Are there any specific brands of whiskey recommended for mixed drinks?
There are numerous brands of whiskey suitable for mixed drinks, and the choice often depends on personal preference and availability. Some popular brands for mixing include Jack Daniel’s, Jameson, Maker’s Mark, Bulleit Bourbon, and Crown Royal.
Can I use flavored whiskey in mixed drinks?
Flavored whiskies, such as those infused with honey, cinnamon, or fruit flavors, can add an interesting twist to mixed drinks. However, it’s essential to consider how the flavor of the whiskey will complement the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Final Say
Upon trying various expressions, we highly recommend Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey for making cocktails due to its exceptional flavor, complexity, and versatility.
It’s an excellent whiskey for cocktails, enhancing classics like the Manhattan, Kentucky Buck, and other whiskey-based cocktails. However, the finest whiskey will depend on your personal preference.
So, try different whiskeys [4] from our list and explore your preferences. Choose what suits your palate and elevates your cocktail to new heights. Cheers!
References:
- https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/5-things-you-didnt-know-cocktails-bartending.htm
- https://www.businessinsider.com/facts-about-coca-cola-2011-6
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/shows/2013/01/10-facts-about-scotch-whisky
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/whiskey
