How to Make Classic Whiskey Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and The Manhattan

There is nothing that will put hair on a man’s chest and a rasp in his voice like a good whiskey.  It’s your father’s drink, his father’s drink and the drink of all manly men before them.

We’re going to teach you how to make the perfect whiskey cocktail in the comfort of your own home.  No let’s get started…

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned whiskey cocktail is dated back to the 1800’s, where it was traditionally enjoyed as a morning drink.  Made with rye (or bourbon) whiskey, along side a splash of some sugars, bitters and water, whether you drink it to get your day started (which just doesn’t seem as acceptable as it used to be) or as a pre-dinner appetite stimulator, this is one manly drink.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 oz. of rye whiskey
Dash of bitters (a few drops)
A pinch of sugar (or a sugar cube)
Water or club soda
Orange peel for garnish (optional)

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The Mint Julep

If you find yourself hosting a Kentucky Derby party, or maybe you just want something refreshing in the heat of the summer, try a classic Mint Julep.

There are several ways of concocting this delicious drink, we’re going to choose one that doesn’t involve refrigerating it overnight.  When we want our drinks, we want them now.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A silver Mint Julep glass (a small cocktail glass will work if you don’t have one)
3 oz bourbon
1/2 oz simple syrup
Crushed ice
Mint leaves
Powdered sugar (optional)

Here’s how you make it:

• Take your mint julep glass and add a small fistful of mint leaves, removed from the stem
• Add your simple syrup to the mint leaves, lightly muddle
• Pour the bourbon into the glass
• Fill the glass to the top with finely crushed ice, stir until glass is frosted, add more ice on top once drink is mixed if desired
• Garnish with mint sprig and powdered sugar

The Manhattan

The Manhattan whiskey cocktail is your traditional speakeasy type of drink.  It’s strong, it’s manly and it’s delicious.  Over the years manhattans have been made with a number of different whiskeys, including rye, bourbon, and Canadian whiskey.  We are going to show you how to make the classic rye version.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 oz Rye Whiskey
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Maraschino Cherries

Here’s how you make it:

• In order, add your bitters, your sweet vermouth and your rye into a chilled mixing glass
• Add several large ice cubes
• Stir at a brisk pace for roughly 10-12 seconds
• Strain into chilled cocktail glass
• Garnish with cherries

Our Final Whiskey Cocktail Tips

Now that you know what to make and how to make it, keep your bar stocked and friends impressed.  Nothing warms the belly like an old fashioned or a manhattan whiskey cocktail and nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a mint julep.  Whatever the occasion, take pride in knowing you can make the perfect drink.