Whiskey Recipes

Whiskey, with its deep amber hues and complex flavor profiles, has long been the spirit of choice for many classic cocktails. The beauty of whiskey lies not just in its distinct taste but also in the rich tapestry of stories it weaves. From dimly lit speakeasies of the Prohibition era to the grand ballrooms of yesteryears, whiskey cocktails have played a pivotal role in the world’s social and cultural scenes. Each cocktail, whether it’s the robust Old Fashioned or the refined Manhattan, carries with it tales of bygone eras, famous personalities, and epochal events. Today, as we sip on these storied concoctions, we’re not just enjoying a drink; we’re imbibing a piece of history, a testament to the timeless allure of whiskey-based mixtures.

Irish Coffee Recipe

Irish Coffee Recipe

Deliver Liquor Editor

Savoring a delightful Irish Coffee during the holiday season is a truly heartwarming experience. Picture yourself wrapped in a cozy blanket, seated comfortably by a crackling fireplace. Outside, the world is a winter wonderland, but inside, the atmosphere is toasty and inviting. In your hands, you hold a mug of Irish Coffee, its steam gently rising, carrying with it the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

The first sip is a harmonious blend of bold, robust coffee and the smooth, warming embrace of Irish whiskey. Each element complements the other perfectly – the coffee’s bitterness is mellowed by the whiskey’s subtle sweetness. A layer of thick, creamy foam rests on top, adding a luxurious texture that contrasts delightfully with the hot liquid beneath.

As you take another sip, the complexities of the drink unfold. There’s a hint of brown sugar, adding a deep, caramel sweetness that dances on your palate. It’s not just a drink; it’s a moment of indulgence, a festive treat that enlivens the senses and warms the soul. The Irish Coffee during the holiday season is more than a beverage – it’s a cherished ritual, a moment of tranquility in the bustling holiday season, offering both comfort and cheer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
  • 1 to 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • Freshly whipped cream (unsweetened)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Coffee: Begin by brewing your coffee. Choose a rich and robust blend for the best flavor. Once brewed, pour it into a pre-warmed mug. A heat-resistant glass mug is traditionally used, but any favorite mug will do.
  2. Add the Whiskey: Measure out 1 to 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey, depending on your preference for strength. Pour the whiskey into the hot coffee.
  3. Sweeten: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mixture. The brown sugar not only sweetens the drink but also adds a depth of flavor with its molasses notes. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  4. Top with Cream: Whip the cream until it’s light and fluffy but still pourable. Gently float the whipped cream on top of the coffee by pouring it over the back of a spoon, held just above the surface of the coffee. This technique helps the cream to sit neatly on top rather than mixing in.
  5. Serve Immediately: Serve your Irish Coffee as soon as it’s prepared. The drink is best enjoyed while it’s hot, with the cream sipped through the warm coffee beneath.

Tips:

  • For an authentic experience, use a good quality Irish whiskey.
  • The unsweetened whipped cream balances the sweetness of the sugar and the strength of the whiskey, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar and whiskey to suit your taste.

Enjoy your homemade Irish Coffee, a perfect drink for relaxing evenings or to add a touch of warmth to your holiday gatherings. Cheers! 🍀☕🥃

Rob Roy

Rob Roy

Deliver Liquor Editor

A Rob Roy is a classic cocktail that echoes the heralded Manhattan but stands distinct with its Scottish roots. At its core, this drink features the smoky nuances of Scotch whisky, blended beautifully with the sweetness of red vermouth. The concoction is balanced with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, which introduce a complex layer of flavors with their herbal and spice notes. It’s a concoction that’s both robust and refined.

To serve a Rob Roy, one would typically stir the ingredients with ice to achieve a chilled and dilute mixture that ensures a smooth sip without overshadowing the whisky’s character. The drink is then strained into a chilled glass, most often a coupe or martini glass, to maintain its temperature. Garnishing with a twist of lemon peel or a maraschino cherry adds not only a visual flourish but also an aromatic accent to the first sip.

Named after the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor, the cocktail offers a nod to its heritage in each element. It’s a storied drink that’s just as suited for a quiet night by the fire as it is for a bustling bar scene. Whether you’re a devotee of Scotch or a newcomer to whisky cocktails, the Rob Roy presents a delectable gateway into the world of spirits, inviting a deeper appreciation for the storied amber liquid.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Scotch whisky (preferably a blended Scotch for a smoother taste)
  • 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Begin by chilling a cocktail glass. You can do this by placing the glass in the freezer for a few minutes or by filling it with ice water and setting it aside while you prepare the drink.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine the Scotch whisky and sweet vermouth.
  3. Add the Angostura bitters to the mixture. The bitters add depth and complexity to the cocktail, so feel free to adjust the amount to your taste preference.
  4. Fill the mixing glass with a good amount of ice. The ice not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly as you stir, softening the flavors to a more harmonious blend.
  5. Stir the mixture gently with a long-handled bar spoon. Unlike shaking, stirring a Rob Roy results in a crystal-clear cocktail. Stir for about 20-30 seconds to ensure the drink is well-chilled.
  6. Discard the ice or water from your cocktail glass to ensure it’s perfectly chilled and ready for your drink.
  7. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into your chilled cocktail glass. A bar strainer is ideal for this task, holding back the ice while allowing the smooth, chilled liquid to flow through.
  8. Garnish the cocktail with a maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel. The cherry will add a touch of sweetness, while the orange peel offers a bright, citrus aroma that enhances the first sip.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of smoky Scotch with the sweetness and complexity of the vermouth and bitters—a timeless combination in the form of a Rob Roy.

The beauty of the Rob Roy lies in its simplicity and the delightful interplay of flavors. It’s a cocktail that requires no fancy techniques or obscure ingredients, making it a perfect classic to enjoy at home. Cheers!

Rusty Nail

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The Rusty Nail is a time-honored cocktail that pairs the smoky undertones of Scotch whisky with the honeyed sweetness of Drambuie, a liqueur infused with herbs, spices, and heather honey. Served over ice in a simple old-fashioned glass, its amber hue reflects its rich history and depth of flavor. Each sip offers a harmonious blend of warmth and sweetness, making the Rusty Nail an elegant choice for those seeking a refined yet straightforward drink experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 ounces Scotch whisky
  • 3/4 ounce Drambuie liqueur
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist or cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Glass Preparation: Take a classic old-fashioned glass and fill it with ice cubes to chill while you gather your ingredients.
  2. Mixing: In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour in the Scotch whisky and Drambuie liqueur.
  3. Stir: Using a bar spoon, give the mixture a gentle stir, ensuring that the two spirits blend seamlessly while maintaining their chilled state.
  4. Pour: Discard the ice from the old-fashioned glass and strain the mixed cocktail into it.
  5. Garnish: For an added touch of elegance, you can garnish with a twist of lemon or a cherry. If using a lemon twist, ensure it’s freshly cut to release its aromatic oils over the drink.
  6. Serve: Present with a smile and perhaps a brief nod to the cocktail’s storied history.

Simplicity meets sophistication in this classic cocktail. The Rusty Nail is a testament to the beauty of combining just two ingredients to create a drink with a depth of flavor. Enjoy responsibly!

Mint Julep

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The Mint Julep is a refreshing blend of mint, sugar, water, and bourbon, traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup. This iconic beverage is deeply rooted in Southern U.S. traditions and is especially celebrated during the Kentucky Derby. As you take a sip, the cooling essence of mint combined with the warmth of bourbon creates a harmonious dance of flavors on the palate, making it a perfect drink for balmy afternoons and festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or 2 tablespoons simple syrup)
  • 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Start by picking fresh mint leaves. Ensure they’re clean and free from any imperfections.
  2. Muddle: In a sturdy glass, combine the mint leaves and sugar. If you’re using simple syrup, you can skip the sugar. Gently muddle the leaves with the sugar to release the mint’s oils. You’re aiming to infuse the sugar without tearing the mint to shreds.
  3. Ice: Fill the glass with crushed ice. It’s essential to use crushed ice as it melts more quickly, diluting the drink to the right consistency and chill.
  4. Bourbon: Pour the bourbon over the ice. Give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure that the mint, sugar, and bourbon meld.
  5. Garnish: Take a sprig of fresh mint and give it a light slap between your hands to awaken its aroma. Place it in the glass as a garnish.
  6. Serve: Insert a straw, ensuring it’s positioned right next to the mint sprig. This allows the drinker to get the full aroma of the mint with each sip.
  7. Enjoy: Sip slowly and enjoy the refreshing, aromatic essence of the Mint Julep.

The Manhattan

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The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that has cemented its place in the annals of mixology. At its core, this elegant concoction blends whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. While rye whiskey is often the go-to spirit, bourbon has found its way into many a Manhattan glass. The drink’s finishing touch is a maraschino cherry, lending a touch of sweetness and a splash of color.

Ingredients:

  1. 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
  2. 1 oz sweet vermouth
  3. 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters
  4. Ice cubes
  5. Maraschino cherry for garnish
  6. Optional: a twist of orange or lemon peel for an added layer of aroma.

Instructions:

  1. Prep Your Glass: Begin by chilling your cocktail glass. You can do this by filling it with ice and setting it aside for a moment.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey (or bourbon), sweet vermouth, and bitters. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Stir: Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients. The goal is to meld the flavors together while ensuring the drink is cold.
  4. Serve: Discard the ice from your chilled cocktail glass. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish: Drop a maraschino cherry into the drink. If you’re using a twist of citrus peel, run the twist around the rim of the glass to release its oils, then drop it into the drink or drape it on the side.
  6. Enjoy Responsibly: Sip and savor the layered flavors of your freshly made Manhattan!

Note: Adjust the ratios according to personal preference. Some enjoy a more pronounced vermouth presence, while others might want a touch more bitterness.

Whiskey Harvest Recipe

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A great fall whiskey drink to try out! Make it easy on yourself, and find your favorite whiskey online HERE!

Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey, 2 dashes maple syrup, 1/2 oz pumpkin butter, lemon quarter, dash of allspice liqueur

Instructions: Use a shaker with ice – combine all ingredients, then strain into your glass. That’s it!

Whiskey Harvest
Try it with Gentleman Jack

Kentucky Mulled Cider Recipe

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Warm apple cider and fragrant mulling spices make this the perfect cold-weather cocktail.

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan on the stove. Let sit on medium-low for an hour and then ladle into mugs garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon

3 whole allspice berries

6 whole peppercorns

4 parts apple cider

3 Cinnamon sticks

5 whole cloves

Lemon slices and additional cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Try it with Makers Mark!

Maker's Mark Whisky - Deliver Liquor
Maker’s Mark Whisky – Deliver Liquor

Old Fashioned Recipe

Deliver Liquor Editor

Here is a great Old Fashioned Recipe for whisky lovers.

Your ingredients are 2 teaspoons simple syrup, bitters, your favorite bourbon whiskey, 1 slice orange, and 1 maraschino cherry

Directions
Pour the simple syrup and 2 dashes bitters into a whiskey glass. Stir to combine, then place ice cubes in the glass. Pour bourbon over the ice and garnish with the orange slice and maraschino cherry.