Drizzling autumn weather with rain and wind calls for comfort. Comfort at home, comfort food and comfort drinks. So why wouldn't a deliciously autumnal cocktail go with that? We dove into the most popular whisky-based cocktails and picked three that can brighten up any autumn day.
Whisky Sour
If you like classic cocktails, then the Whisky Sour is probably no stranger to you. Loved for its perfect balance of sweet, sour and the warm depth of whisky, this cocktail has been a favourite for over 150 years.
The origins of the Whisky Sour go back to the mid-19th century. The story tells that sailors on board ships mixed lemon juice with whisky to prevent scurvy and make their drinks last longer. This simple mixture soon became popular on land, and by the late 1860s the first documented recipe appeared in Jerry Thomas' famous 1862 "The Bartender's Guide". The use of citrus was crucial to soften the sharpness of the alcohol, creating a deliciously balanced drink that is still enjoyed today.
Ingredients
- 60 ml whisky (preferably bourbon whiskey)
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Optional: a few drops of egg white for a creamy texture
- Ice cubes
- Slice of lemon or cherry for garnish
Preparation
- Combine the whisky, lemon juice and sugar syrup in a shaker.
- Optional: add egg white for a silky smooth texture.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Pour the contents through a sieve into a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or a cherry and enjoy!
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is not just any cocktail; it is one of the oldest and most iconic drinks the cocktail world has ever produced. This simple yet powerful mix symbolises refinement and tradition.
The origins of the Old Fashioned go back to the early 19th century, when the term "cocktail" still simply referred to a mix of spirits, sugar, bitters and water. As the years passed and cocktails became increasingly complex, a desire for the simplicity of the original recipes emerged. Around 1880, at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, the Old Fashioned was perfected and has been one of the favourite cocktails of whiskey lovers around the world ever since.
Interestingly, the Old Fashioned is named after the style of cocktails drunk before the creation of more modern drinks. It is a cocktail that highlights the bartender's classic craftsmanship - no fuss, just quality and balance.
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon whiskey or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel for garnish
Preparation
- Place a sugar cube in a glass and sprinkle it with the bitters.
- Add a splash of water and crush the sugar with a muddler until it dissolves.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in the whisky.
- Stir well to blend the flavours.
- Garnish with a zest of orange (lightly squeeze the zest over the glass to release the oils).
Penicillin
A relatively new player in the world of cocktails, Penicillin has quickly achieved iconic status thanks to its unique combination of smoky, sharp and sweet flavours. This cocktail was created by Sam Ross, an influential New York bartender, in the mid-2000s. He was working at the legendary bar Milk & Honey at the time, where he decided to put his own spin on the classic whisky cocktail.
What makes Penicillin so special is the use of two types of whisky: a smooth, mild blended Scotch and a dash of smoky Islay Scotch. This combination creates a deep, complex flavour that blends perfectly with the warmth of fresh ginger and the sweetness of honey. It is a bit like taking a whisky sour, but with an extra layer of smoke and character.
The name "Penicillin" is a playful nod to the healing effect of the ingredients: ginger, honey and lemon, traditionally used to relieve colds and sore throats. But make no mistake-this drink is not just for when you don't feel well. It is a sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for an evening of quiet enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 60 ml blended Scotch whisky
- 15 ml peated Scotch whisky (To taste: strongly peated or moderately peated)
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- 20 ml honey-ginger syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water and a piece of fresh ginger heated together and strained)
- Ice cubes
- Candied ginger or a lemon slice for garnish
Preparation
- Add the blended Scotch, lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the contents into a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Carefully pour the Islay Scotch on top of the cocktail (float) for a smoky finish.
- Garnish with a piece of candied ginger or a slice of lemon.
The Penicillin is a perfect balance of freshness, sweetness and a touch of smoky depth-an ideal cocktail for whisky fans looking for something special. Cheers!
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