Category Archives: Whiskey Cocktails

Whiskey cocktails take in cocktail and drink recipes that include bourbon, scotch and whiskies of all varieties.

Dark Sumatra Martini

Posted on October 2, 2012 | Leave a comment

This variation of the Espresso Martini contains deep, rich coffee flavor. Irish Whiskey enhances the roast flavor. Terrific aroma. Lovely foam across top of cocktail. Not too sweet, but could reduce syrup to 1/2 ounce if a bit less sweet is desired. Could also be served in highball glass over fresh ice for alternative serve. Great for winter / fall, Christmas, Thanksgiving happy hour or as dessert style cocktail.

Dark Sumatra Martini – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Silver Rum

1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey

1/2 ounce Dark Sumatra Syrup

2 ounces Double Strong Brewed Coffee

Espresso Beans Garnish

Brew coffee using double the amount of dark roast coffee beans / ground coffee. Place all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with coffee beans on top.

Dark Sumatra Syrup / Coffee Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 cup Demera Cane Sugar

1/2 cup Double Strong Fresh Brewed Coffee

1 ounce Vodka – optional

Brew coffee using double the amount of dark roast coffee beans / ground coffee. Place sugar and coffee in sauce pan over low heat. Stir continuously until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture has come to a soft simmer. Remove from heat. Add in optional ounce of vodka as preservative. Allow to cool. Place in sealed container. Keep refrigerated.

*I used Sumatra coffee. Brown sugar could be used in place of Demera Cane Sugar. Demera Cane Sugar contains hint of molasses which works very well in this syrup. Demera Cane Sugar can be found at many corner grocery stores on the sugar / baking aisle.

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Posted in Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Coffee, Coffee Syrup, Dark Sumatra Martini, Demera Cane Sugar, Espresso, Espresso Martini, Irish Whiskey, Rum, Sugar, Sumatra Syrup, Vodka

American Belle

Posted on September 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

Original recipe is a shot and calls for equal parts cherry liqueur, amaretto and bourbon. This renders an exceedingly sweet shot / drink, like many shots lean toward. However, amending the recipe creates a lovely on the rocks sipping drink. Ideal for a “candied” Halloween shot or drink. Would also be great for Girl’s Night Out.

American Belle – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/4 ounce Bourbon

1/4 ounce Amaretto

1/4 ounce Heering Cherry Liqueur

3 dashes Classic Bitters

Build in rocks glass over fresh ice. Stir.

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Posted in Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Amaretto, American Belle, Bourbon, Classic Bitters, Girl's Night Out, Heering Cherry Liqueur, Whiskey

Dubonnet Rouge: Classic & Contemporary

Posted on September 7, 2012 | Leave a comment

Dubonnet Rouge blends herbs, spices and fruit peels together with medicinal quinine and fortified wine. Although it was originally purposed to ward off disease by making the ingestion of quinine more pleasant just as other spirits of the past, Dubonnet Rouge’s use in cocktails has gone far beyond “medicinal use” and into the realm of modern mixology.

Just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month; The Dubonnet Mint Julep is an aperitif version of the classic bourbon Mint Julep. Each of the fresh herb additions pair wonderfully with the aromatics of Dubonnet Rouge. Get inspired to recreate a classic by sampling this classic variation.

Dubonnet Mint Julep – created by D. McKnight

2 ounces Dubonnet Rouge

3 ounces Bourbon

1 teaspoon sugar

Handful of mint

Place mint and sugar in mixing glass. Muddle briefly. Add remaining ingredients with ice. Shake or stir to mix completely. Strain into julep cup over fresh crushed ice.

There are much more traditional style recipes such as the Dubonnet Cocktail; 1 measure Dubonnet Rouge, 1 measure Gin, Dash of Orange Bitters & Lemon Twist Garnish. Served Up. But there is still room for more creative offerings within the mixology field.

Summer Thyme, courtesy of Michael Green, plucks fresh thyme from the garden for an inspiring cocktail utilizing the unique flavor of Dubonnet Rouge.

Summer Thyme – created by Michael Green

1 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

2 ounces Vodka

1 sprig Fresh Thyme

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Salt and Pepper to taste

Lemon Slice & Fresh Thyme Sprig Garnish

Place all ingredients except garnish into cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill, allowing the aromatics of the fresh thyme to permeate the drink. Strain into rocks glass over fresh crushed ice. Garnish with lemon slice and sprig of thyme.

Dubonnet Rouge is a stylish and affordable aperitif as it stands among much higher priced liqueurs and aperitifs on the liquor store shelf.

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Posted in Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Bourbon, Bourbon Heritage Month, Dubonnet, Dubonnet Mint Julep, Fresh Lemon, Mint, Mint Julep, Sugar, Summer Cocktails, Summer Thyme, Thyme, Vodka

Red Rye

Posted on September 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

Jim Beam Rye: Wheaty like a cracker. Grassy, grainy. Not harsh on the nose. 80 proof. This particular rye is sort of non-descript compared to others I have sampled and reviewed. A little spice to it. Taste: Definite burn. Spice like cinnamon bark. Rough around the edges. A little flat. Not a lot of strong character coming through, but fits well as an ordinary rye. Cherry tones. Peach pit possibly buried in the flavor. Slight hint of nut – maybe pecan. Not too pricey, so it makes a great mixer to play with for rye based cocktails.

Red Rye – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/4 ounce Jim Beam Rye

3/4 ounce Red Stag by Jim Beam

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh lemon twist pinched over drink to ensure essential oils spray into the mixture. Drop lemon twist in glass. Stir.

Slight hint of lemon allows a bit of chocolate in the Red Stag to show through. Sweetness reigns supreme, but not as defined as if Red Stag stood alone. Jim Beam Rye is the real winner here. Wonderful spice warms to the Red Stag rounding out this simply put together drink.

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Posted in Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Fresh Lemon, Jim Beam Rye, Red Rye, Red Stag by Jim Beam, Rye, Whiskey

(ri)1 & the Elusive Heering

Posted on September 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

(ri)1 Straight Rye Whiskey arrived on the scene what seems forever ago, yet in reality this ruggedly handsome rye whiskey is merely a rising star. The whiskey category as a whole excites the imagination as this genre takes off in a new direction with cocktail flair beyond the classics. Whether traditional recipes gain popularity through recreation or new cocktails come to the forefront, the result remains the same: more consumers are drawn to the bronze beverage that goes down with the burning delight of liquid gold, warming the soul and igniting passion for the finer things life offers.

(ri)1 & the Elusive Heering – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces (ri)1 Straight Rye Whiskey

1/2 ounce Heering Cherry Liqueur

1/2 ounce Noilly Prat Original French Dry Vermouth

3 dashes Classic Bitters

Fresh Lemon Twist

Build in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with fresh lemon twist. Optional: 1/8 ounce fresh lemon juice.

Oiliness of the Noilly Prat carries throughout in this cocktail and continues without diminishing. A hint of Heering Cherry Liqueur shines with its deep, rich character without overwhelming the cocktail or becoming watered down. It is subtle as the notes of cherry weave among the spice of rye. As the ice slowly melts, more cherry tones with its understated hint of chocolate begin to mingle through. However, the (ri)1 is the real show stopper. It displays well with spicy, robust character establishing a strong cocktail to the last delicious drop.

“Elusive” in the cocktail name refers to countless cocktails attempted with whiskey, bourbon, various gins, tequila and vodka using Heering Cherry Liqueur and not arriving at one that suits my creative spirit at the moment until this now. Heering Cherry Liqueur provides countless imaginative cocktails which are rather tasty.

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Posted in Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged (ri)1 & the Elusive Heering, (ri)1 Straight Rye Whiskey, Classic Bitters, Dry Vermouth, Fresh Lemon, Heering Cherry Liqueur, Noilly Prat, Rye, Whiskey

Rusty Nail

Posted on August 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

Labor Day closes out the summer season while gathering in family and friends. An excellent crowd pleaser is this two ingredient drink which is an easy favorite among scotch drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts riding the wave of Speakeasy couture. The version below tweaks the classic Rusty Nail recipe by dialing down the sweetness factor a notch so more scotch shines through in the flavor profile.

Rusty Nail

1-1/2 ounce Blended Scotch Whisky

1/4 ounce Drambuie

Build in an old-fashioned glass over ice. No garnish.

Please remember buzzed driving is impaired driving which is the equivalent to driving drunk. Plan ahead by arranging for a cab or designated driver.

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Posted in Labor Day, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged 2 Ingredient Drinks, Classic Cocktail, Designated Driver, Drambuie, Labor Day, Rusty Nail, Scotch, Two Ingredient Cocktails, Whiskey

Review: Mickey Finn Irish Apple Liqueur

Posted on August 29, 2012 | Leave a comment

The original blended whiskey with natural apple flavors.

70 Proof / 35% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $25 range / 750ml Bottle

Availability: Made available in major U.S. markets in spring of 2012

Mickey Finn Irish Apple Liqueur Tasting Notes

Color: Pale. Light Straw.

Aroma: Definitely apple. Tart, crisp, green apple. Sweetness is light, but there. Apple skin like a Gala apple. No burn.

Tasted Neat: Oh yes, this is sweet. No syrupy sweetness, but light sweet. Good job with the apple notes. Doesn’t come off as artificial at all. Warm cider comes to mind. Bit of rugged edge lets you know it is not just juice here. Warms nicely.

Mouth Feel: Thin

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails:

I might pair this with lemon juice, simple syrup and ginger ale for a long drink; tweaking to taste of course. Could also be enjoyed simply as is or on the rocks. Fun, playful Irish whiskey. Might also warm nicely hot toddy style or this would make a terrific apple pie cocktail for fall.

South Side Appletini

2 ounces Mickey Finn Irish Apple

2 ounces Cranberry Juice

Lime Wedge

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Add squeeze of lime. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Mickey Finn Whiskey

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Posted in Reviews, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Blended Irish Whiskey, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lime, Mickey Finn Irish Apple Liqueur, South Side Appletini

Rob Roy

Posted on August 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Rob Roy is similar to the Manhattan, but only uses Scotch as the base spirit. It can also be made Sweet, Dry or Perfect. When ordering a Rob Roy out, the sweet version is primarily what a bartender assumes. Rob Roy Dry uses dry vermouth in place of sweet. Rob Roy Perfect uses equal measures of dry and sweet vermouth. Play with each variation and find your ideal Rob Roy.

Rob Roy

1-1/2 ounce Scotch

3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

2 to 3 dashes Classic Bitters

Lemon or Orange Twist Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake or stir according to personal preference. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Twist fresh lemon or orange peel over top of cocktail as garnish.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Classic Bitters, Classic Cocktail, Dry Vermouth, Manhattan, Red Vermouth, Rob Roy, Scotch, Sweet Vermouth

International Cocktail

Posted on April 17, 2012 | 1 Comment

The International Cocktail tastes similar to a Manhattan, but softer with its exchange for the usual lush vermouth. Orange gives this cocktail very nice aroma. Might be terrific with stronger whiskey. Has slight green banana faintness in the taste. More of a watered down Manhattan rather than rich, lush, gregarious version. Perfect perhaps for the gentleman or lady on a sophisticated evening out.

International Cocktail

2 ounces Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey

1 ounce Dry Sack Sherry

2 dashes Classic Bitters

Orange Peel Garnish

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with flamed orange twist. May also serve the International Cocktail in rocks glass over fresh ice.

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