Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Lydia Martin
If you are a whiskey drinker and you’re bored drinking your whiskey neat, then it’s time for you to level up and find the best whiskey mixers for you.
So, what is good to mix with whiskey? Our team won’t disappoint you with these recipes.
Top 10 Whiskey Mixers You Should Try
1. Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
If you have a sweet tooth but not a whiskey palate, then try the whiskey ginger. The liquor’s spiciness mingles with the ale’s sweet and bubbly undertones. With a squeeze of lime, your ginger ale is ready to go.
On the other hand, if you prefer your drink spicy, try Ginger beer. It is created by substituting bourbon for vodka or tequila. What’s the difference between bourbon and Irish Whiskey? It’s called a Kentucky Mule if you’re using bourbon and an Irish Mule if you’re using Irish whiskey.
2. Lemon Juice or Lemonade
Another delicious cocktail recipe to try is the Whiskey Lemonade. This zesty cocktail is simple to make and requires only two ingredients: lemonade and whiskey.
This classic whiskey sour is perfect for summer. To make a classic whiskey sour, combine one part of your fresh lemon juice or any citrus fruit juice, one part of simple syrup, and two parts of whiskey in a mixing glass.
3. Soda Water
If you want your whiskey cold and bubbly, soda water is a good mixer for you. With strongly flavored whiskies, the addition of refreshingly fizzy seltzer works best.
For a citrus kick, squeeze a lemon or orange slice into your Highball, or better yet, fill the glass with lemon ice cubes and top it with a lemon wedge for decoration.
Read: Our Recommended Virgin Drinks
4. Sweet Vermouth
Vermouth is an aromatized wine that makes an excellent cocktail ingredient. While most cocktails have a lengthy ingredient list, blending one part vermouth with two parts whiskey yields a fantastic result.
Make a Manhattan by mixing one part sweet vermouth to two parts of whiskey, a sugar cube, and some cocktail bitters to liven up your whisky. Although rye whiskey is used, bourbon can be used for a sweeter flavor.
5. Club Soda
What do you mix in whiskey cocktails? Soda is one of the oldest mixers available. The traditional Whiskey Highball first appeared in the early 1900s and has remained popular ever since.
In making this drink, any whiskey will do. Mixing soda with your favorite whiskey can neutralize and balance its flavor, and it won’t be too sweet.
6. Coca-Cola
While Coke isn’t the only cola available, it is the most popular for various historical reasons. Indeed, “coke” has become a catch-all phrase in various sections of the country.
As one of the most well-known whiskey mixers, the idea is to combine sweet and smoky flavors to complement the kick. The delicious earthiness of Coca-Cola goes well with any bourbon-style drink. Here’s our favorite Peanut Butter Whiskey and Coca-Cola recipe!
7. Coffee
If you’re looking for the best mixers that you can mix with whiskey, then Irish Coffee is one of those. This is perhaps the most well-known cocktail; however, you can use any whiskey to boost this caffeinated beverage.
Fill a mug halfway with whiskey and halfway with equal parts coffee and hot chocolate; then, you can add the brown sugar and finish it with whipped cream on top.
Also Read:
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- What’s Our Favorite Peanut Butter Whiskey Brand?
- How Long Can Whiskey Stay in Decanters?
- What’s Our Favorite Whiskey Drink For A Cold?
- What’s Our Favorite Ole Smoky Salted Caramel Recipe?
8. Amaro
An amaro is a bittersweet herbal liquor. The word amaro means “bitter” in Italian, and the best-known amaro comes from mainland Italy and Sicily. [1]
You’ll understand the appeal of blending whiskey with a bitter Italian Amaro if you’ve ever added a few dashes of bitters to an Old Fashioned but, remember that only flavored cocktail bitters that match your whiskey’s profile work best.
9. Apple Cider
Caramel, toffee, and vanilla notes can be found in a variety of whiskeys, especially bourbon whiskey. These are great with apple cider. With a caramel edge, it enriches and complements the oaky flavor.
Read: WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Price Guide
This combination is ideally served hot, as whiskey tastes better when it’s been warmed up.
But it can also be served chilled and garnished with a cinnamon stick. Although this is the “pumpkin spice” of mixers, it’s appropriate for any season.
Also Read: Whiskey vs Tequila
10. Hot Tea
Add a dash of whiskey to your favorite hot tea for a pick-me-up when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a condensed version of a hot toddy, which is made with hot water, lemon, honey, cinnamon, and whiskey.
Remove the tea bag and mix in the honey until it has completely dissolved. In a cup, combine half a lemon juice, whiskey, and tea, along with a cinnamon stick for decoration. Drink while it’s still hot.
Also Read: Here’s How To Order Whiskey at a Bar
Popular Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Kikori Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Kikori Whiskey
- 2-ounce cold brew coffee
- Agave syrup
- Freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker with ice, mix all liquid ingredients. Stir gently and strain into an ice-free Collins glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon and the rest of the ice and froth from the shaker.
Whiskey & Coke
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Whiskey
- 4 to 6 ounces Coke
Directions:
A classic cocktail is a good whiskey mixed with sweet cola. It’s also a simple order for any bartender to fulfill.
Also Read: Whiskey & Moonshine Compared
What Not to Mix with Whiskey:
While whiskey is a versatile spirit, some pairings can clash, leading to less-than-ideal flavor combinations. Here are some things to avoid mixing with whiskey:
Sugary Sodas
Overly sweet sodas can overpower the nuanced flavors of whiskey and create a cloying, syrupy mix. It’s best to choose mixers with moderate sweetness to maintain balance.
Excessive Citrus
While a splash of citrus can enhance whiskey cocktails, too much acidity can overwhelm the spirit’s subtleties. Avoid excessive amounts of lemon or lime juice, especially in delicate or aged whiskeys.
Flavored Energy Drinks
Flavored energy drinks often contain intense artificial flavors and high levels of caffeine. Mixing them with whiskey can result in an overwhelming combination that may mask the whiskey’s natural taste.
Cola with Overpowering Flavors
While classic cola is a popular mixer, colas with overpowering flavors or additional ingredients (like certain spices or herbal infusions) can clash with the complexity of whiskey.
Fruit Juices with Strong Dominant Flavors
Certain fruit juices with assertive flavors, such as strong tropical fruits or berries, may not harmonize well with the subtleties of whiskey. It’s essential to strike a balance that complements rather than competes with the whiskey.
Milk or Cream-Based Mixers
While cream-based cocktails like the Irish Coffee have their place, mixing whiskey with heavy dairy can curdle and create an unappealing texture. Stick to well-balanced ratios in creamy concoctions.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners can impart an off-putting taste and alter the overall drinking experience. Opt for natural sweeteners or choose mixers with minimal added sugars for a more authentic blend.
Overcomplicated Ingredients
Avoid overcomplicating whiskey cocktails with too many ingredients that may not complement each other. Keeping the mix simple and focused on enhancing the whiskey’s character is often more successful.
Ultimately, the key to successful whiskey mixing lies in understanding the spirit’s flavor profile and experimenting to find combinations that enhance, rather than overpower, its unique qualities.
FAQs
Can I mix whiskey with Sprite?
Yes, you can mix whiskey with Sprite. Sprite is a safe substitute because it’s a kind of lemon-lime soda drink.
Is orange juice good with whiskey?
Yes, orange juice is good to mix with whiskey. It’s a great cocktail mixer due to its sweet flavor and citrusy finish. But what’s the best way to drink whiskey to avoid the burn?
What is a healthy mixer with whiskey?
Generally, there are many healthy mixers that you can mix with whiskey. But the most common healthy mixers are vermouth, citrus or fruit juices, tea, and caffeine. [2]
What mixes well with whiskey?
Whiskey pairs well with a variety of mixers, allowing for a range of cocktails to suit different preferences. Popular choices include ginger ale, cola, lemon or lime juice, vermouth, and bitters. Additionally, fruit juices like apple, cranberry, or orange can complement the flavors of whiskey.
What are the best ways to drink whiskey?
The best ways to drink whiskey are subjective and depend on personal preferences. Common methods include neat (undiluted), on the rocks (over ice), with a splash of water, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour.
What does whisky pair well with?
Whisky pairs well with a variety of foods. Rich and savory dishes, such as grilled meats, cheeses, and chocolates, can complement the robust flavors of whisky. The smoky notes in some whiskies also pair nicely with smoked or cured meats.
How do you make whiskey taste better?
To enhance the taste of whiskey, consider experimenting with different serving methods. Adding a few drops of water can help release aromatic compounds, and serving it over ice can slightly mellow the flavors. Exploring various types of whiskey and sipping it slowly to savor the complexities can also improve the overall experience.
Can you mix whiskey and Coke?
Yes, mixing whiskey with Coke is a popular choice, creating a classic and refreshing highball known as the Whiskey and Coke. The sweetness of the cola complements the whiskey’s richness, providing a simple and enjoyable drink.
Is whiskey and Sprite good?
Whiskey and Sprite can be a pleasant combination, offering a sweeter and fizzy profile. The citrusy notes from Sprite can add a refreshing element to the whiskey, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy a lighter and effervescent drink.
Is whiskey better with Coke or water?
Whether whiskey is better with Coke or water depends on personal preference. Mixing with Coke creates a sweeter and more carbonated drink, while adding water can slightly open up the flavors and aromas of the whiskey. Both methods are valid; it’s a matter of individual taste.
Is whisky good with soda or water?
Whisky can be enjoyed with soda or water, depending on personal preference. Soda adds effervescence and sweetness, while water can help dilute the spirit slightly, releasing aromatic compounds and altering the mouthfeel.
What are the 5 ways to drink whiskey?
The five common ways to drink whiskey include:
Neat: Undiluted, served in a glass.
On the rocks: Over ice.
With water: Adding a splash of water to open up flavors.
In cocktails: Crafting classic drinks like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
Highball: Mixing with a non-alcoholic mixer, such as soda or ginger ale.
What not to pair with whiskey?
Avoid pairing whiskey with overly spicy or heavily seasoned dishes, as these can overpower the spirit’s subtleties. Extremely sweet desserts may also clash with whiskey’s natural richness.
What not to drink whiskey with?
Avoid overly sugary mixers or sodas that can mask the whiskey’s flavors. Additionally, steer clear of pairing whiskey with drinks that have strong contrasting tastes, such as very bitter or intensely flavored beverages, as they may overshadow the whiskey’s nuances.
What Is Good To Mix With Whiskey – Let’s Do This!
Whiskey is plenty in and of itself. However, a little additional flavor can go a long way in some drinks. So, if you’re not sure what to mix with whiskey, try these cocktail recipes that the team suggested for you.
Start your day right by grabbing your bottle of whiskey and taste and share these delicious recipes with your friends. Happy drinking!
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