Whether it’s a cool drink for summer or a warm one for winter, making simple and easy rye drinks at home is fun. Let’s learn about the best rye whiskey cocktails.
Rye whiskey is like the spicy cousin in the big whiskey family. While others like bourbon, scotch, Irish, and Canadian whiskies get a lot of attention, rye has its own cool story. Did you know George Washington made rye whiskey at his home? Rye has a strong taste that makes it unique in drinks. Have you tried a classic Manhattan? That strong taste? That’s rye!
Our top three rye whiskey-based drinks: Our top three favorites stand out among the rest. First on our list is the classic Manhattan, a choice that perfectly showcases the spicy depth of rye. Following closely is the Old Fashioned, and rounding out our top three is the Ward 8, which has a touch of citrus.
26 Best Rye Whiskey Cocktails
If you like a drink with a spicy touch, try rye whiskey cocktails. Our DrinksWorld experts present you our favorites recipes:
Manhattan
The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that hails from New York City. Legend has it that it was first created in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club for a party thrown by Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother.
Rye Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that takes us back to the basics of mixology. It’s simple yet sophisticated and combines the warmth of whiskey with the sweetness of sugar and the zest of bitters.
Ward Eight (Ward 8)
The Ward Eight has its roots in Boston and was supposedly created to celebrate a political victory in the city’s 8th ward. This cocktail is citrusy and slightly sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s known for its rich history and is often referred to as one of the oldest American cocktails. The drink was originally made with cognac, but rye whiskey became the main spirit over time. The unique preparation involves rinsing the glass with absinthe.
Scofflaw
The Scofflaw cocktail emerged during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. “Scofflaw” describes those who ignored the alcohol ban during this time. This drink mixes rye whiskey and citrus, refreshing and potent.
Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré, which means “Old Square” in French, is named after the French Quarter in New Orleans. This cocktail is a rich blend of spirits and was first concocted in the 1930s at the city’s famous Hotel Monteleone.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is often described as a whiskey version of the Negroni. It’s believed to have been first mixed in Paris during the 1920s. The name “Boulevardier” refers to a sophisticated urbanite, perfectly capturing this elegant drink’s essence.
Blinker
The Blinker is a Prohibition-era cocktail that has made a comeback in recent years. Its name might remind you of car blinkers, but its origins are a mystery. The drink is a fruity blend with a rye whiskey base, refreshing and strong.
Toronto
Hailing from Canada’s largest city, the Toronto cocktail is a simple yet flavorful drink. It’s believed to have been created in the 1920s and is known for using Fernet-Branca, an aromatic bitter.
Remember the Maine
This cocktail is named after the USS Maine battleship, which sank in 1898. The drink serves as a tribute and a reminder of the event that led to the Spanish-American War. It’s a sophisticated mix with a hint of cherry.
Greenpoint
Named after a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, the Greenpoint is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan. It’s herbal and has a lovely yellow-green hue.
Black Manhattan
As the name suggests, the Black Manhattan is a darker take on the classic Manhattan. Instead of sweet vermouth, it uses Averna, a rich Italian liqueur, giving it a deeper flavor.
Monte Cassino
The Monte Cassino is a balanced blend of herbal liqueurs and rye whiskey named after a historic Italian monastery. It’s a testament to how different ingredients can come together harmoniously.
Red Hook
Another cocktail named after a Brooklyn neighborhood, the Red Hook is a variant of the Manhattan. It’s sweeter and has a cherry undertone, making it quite distinctive.
Tender Nob
The Tender Nob combines elements from two San Francisco neighborhoods: Tenderloin and Nob Hill. It’s a delightful mix of sweet, bitter, and spicy flavors.
Preakness
While it shares its name with a famous horse race, the Preakness cocktail is a unique blend in its own right. It’s aromatic and has a hint of anise, making it memorable.
La Valencia
La Valencia is a vibrant cocktail that captures the essence of Spanish culture. While its origins are unclear, its name suggests a connection to Valencia in Spain, known for its oranges and lively spirit.
Longshoreman
The Longshoreman pays homage to the hardworking dock workers essential to trade and commerce. This cocktail is a robust, refreshing mix, much like the longshoremen.
Jane Russell
Named after the glamorous Hollywood actress of the 1940s and 1950s, the Jane Russell cocktail is as captivating as its namesake. It’s a creamy and indulgent drink that’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of luxury.
New York Sour
The New York Sour is a twist on the classic whiskey sour, with a splash of red wine on top. This cocktail from the 1880s is a beautiful blend of the boldness of New York and the elegance of a classic sour.
Bananarac
The Bananarac is a fun and fruity take on the classic Sazerac. As the name suggests, it introduces banana flavors, making it a tropical and delightful variation.
Brooklyn Cocktail
A close cousin to the Manhattan, the Brooklyn Cocktail pays tribute to one of New York City’s iconic boroughs. It’s a bit drier and has a complex flavor profile, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
La Louisiane Cocktail
La Louisiane is a celebration of New Orleans’ rich cocktail culture. It’s a seductive mix that’s spicy and sweet, capturing the essence of the Big Easy.
Old Pal Cocktail
The Old Pal is a drier alternative to the classic Negroni. It’s believed to have been created in the 1920s in Paris and is perfect for those who prefer cocktails with a bit of a bite.
Whiskey Ginger
Whiskey Ginger, often known as a “Jameson and Ginger,” is a refreshing drink. It’s a favorite in Irish pubs and is perfect for those who enjoy the spicy kick of ginger ale.
Trinidad Sour
The Trinidad Sour is a unique cocktail that uses a generous amount of Angostura bitters, originally from Trinidad. It’s a bold and aromatic drink that’s not for the faint-hearted but is truly rewarding for those who dare.
Northern Standard
The Northern Standard is a testament to the classic cocktail-making tradition. While its history isn’t widely documented, its balanced flavors make it a timeless choice for any occasion.
Top 7 Rye Whiskey Brands for Cocktails
We asked our experts to share the best rums to mix. Here are their recommendations
Bulleit Rye
Bulleit Rye is a popular whiskey from Kentucky. It’s got a strong and spicy taste, which makes it great for mixing in drinks. Many people like using it in their cocktails because of its bold flavor.
Rittenhouse Rye
This whiskey comes from a famous place called Heaven Hill Distillery. It’s strong and has a deep flavor with some fruity notes. Bartenders often pick this one for making drinks because it’s reliable and tastes good.
WhistlePig Rye
WhistlePig is a fancy brand that’s made in Vermont. The ten years old has a rich and smooth taste. It’s a bit sweet with some hints of vanilla and mint. It’s perfect if you want to make a special drink.
Sazerac Rye
Sazerac Rye is named after a well-known cocktail. It’s a smooth whiskey with a touch of sweetness. It’s different from others because it tastes like clove and citrus. It’s great for making unique drinks.
Old Forester Rye
Old Forester is a classic brand, and their rye whiskey is pretty new but super popular. It’s both sweet and spicy and reminds you of apples and pepper. It’s not too pricey, so it’s good to try different mixed drinks.
What is Rye Whiskey?
Rye whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from at least 51% rye grain.
American Rye Whiskey
In the U.S., makers must use at least 51% rye grain to make American rye whiskey. They can’t distill it above 160 proof and must age it in new, charred oak barrels. If it ages for two years or more without blending, they can call it “straight” rye whiskey.
Canadian Rye Whisky
Canada’s rules for rye whisky are more flexible. Even if there’s just a small amount of rye grain in the mix, they can still call it rye whisky. The taste and style can vary a lot because of this. Some Canadian rye whiskies have a strong flavor, while others might not.
More Whiskey Cocktails
Other whiskey-based drinks you should try:
- Japanese Whiskey Cocktails – Smooth and elegant. Examples: Japanese Highball, Whiskey Sour, Yamazaki Old Fashioned.
- Bourbon Cocktails – Rich and classic. Examples: Mint Julep, Bourbon Old Fashioned, Kentucky Mule.
- Irish Whiskey Drinks – Smooth and light. Examples: Irish Coffee, Whiskey Ginger, Emerald Isle.
- Canadian Whiskey Drinks – Versatile and smooth. Examples: Canadian Club Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Maple Old Fashioned.
FAQs
- How does rye whiskey differ from bourbon? It’s is made mostly from rye grain (at least 51%), while bourbon is made primarily from corn.
- What mixers go well with rye whiskey? Common mixers include vermouth, bitters, ginger ale, and citrus juices.
- Does rye whiskey age in the bottle? No, whiskey only ages in the barrel. Once bottled, its flavor remains consistent.
- Why do some rye whiskey cocktails have a smoky flavor? The smokiness often comes from the charred oak barrels used for aging.
- What glassware is best? Old-fashioned or rocks glasses are commonly used.
Simple Rye Whiskey Cocktails: Remember the Maine Recipe (and 25 More!)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- ¾ oz sweet Vermouth
- 2 tsp Cherry Heering or cherry Liqueur
- ½ tsp Absinthe
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Cocktail Glass chilled
Instructions
- In the cocktail glass pour ½ tsp Absinthe, and swing the glass around until the absinthe has evenly coated the entire interior surface.
- Fill the cocktail glass with ice to chill it.
- Measure and pour 2 tsp Cherry Heering or cherry Liqueur into the mixing glass.
- Add ¾ oz sweet Vermouth.
- Pour in 2 oz Rye Whiskey.
- Fill your mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 45 revolutions.
- Discard the ice and the absinthe from your cocktail glass and strain the drink into it.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: Bourbon can be used as a substitute for rye whiskey if you prefer a sweeter profile. For a smoky flavor, try using Scotch whisky.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used instead of sweet vermouth, but you may want to add a touch of simple syrup to balance the sweetness.
- Cherry Heering: If you don't have Cherry Heering, you can use cherry-flavored liqueur or cherry brandy. It won't be the same, but it will give the cocktail a similar flavor profile.
- Absinthe: Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur can be used as a substitute for absinthe.
Making a Pitcher of Remember The Maine:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of rye whiskey, 6 oz of sweet vermouth, 16 tsp of Cherry Heering, and 4 tsp of absinthe.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Cherry Heering with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled and absinthe coated cocktail glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic whiskey's flavor.
- Cherry Heering Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic cherry-flavored syrup or juice.
- Absinthe Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic anise-flavored syrup.
- Vermouth Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic alternative available in the market.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
