What to Mix with Whiskey: Top Mixers and Pairing Ideas

November 15, 2023 by

Classic whiskey mixers

Ginger ale or ginger beer

Ginger ale and ginger beer offer a spicy kick to whiskey cocktails. Ginger ale’s milder, sweeter taste complements bourbon or blended whiskeys, adding a touch of effervescence and warmth. On the other hand, ginger beer’s stronger, spicier flavor pairs well with rye whiskey, intensifying the drink’s zest. Whether you prefer a subtle or robust ginger note, both mixers enhance whiskey’s character, making them ideal choices for whiskey cocktails like the Highball and Kentucky Mule.

FUN FACT! Environmental factors influence whiskey flavor profiles. For instance, the Kentucky River flows through limestone-rich bedrock, naturally filtering the water to remove iron while adding sweetness. Kentucky’s hot summers and cold winters also affect the aging process. It causes barrels to proof up, leading to a distinct flavor profile that shows a faster oak influence in popular bourbon expressions like Wild Turkey 101.

Learn more: The Fascinating History of the Highball Cocktail

Cola

Sometimes good whiskey mixers are an obvious choice. Cola and whiskey make a winning pair based on their fuss-free appeal. The sweetness of cola balances the boldness of whiskey, offering a simple yet satisfying drink. This classic combo is a popular choice known for its ease and familiarity, making it a timeless favorite among whiskey aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

Tonic water or club soda

Tonic water and club soda provide a crisp and refreshing backdrop for whiskey cocktails, like the Bourbon Rickey. Tonic’s subtle bitterness and quinine notes pair harmoniously with the caramel tones of bourbon, while club soda’s plain fizz accentuates the whiskey’s profile without overpowering it. These mixers maintain a balanced, straightforward appeal, letting the whiskey’s character shine through in an easy and enjoyable way.

Vermouth

Vermouth‘s herbaceous notes and subtle sweetness blend seamlessly with whiskey in cocktails like Boulevardier, Blood & Sand, and Manhattan. Its balanced flavors elevate the spirit’s profile, creating a harmonious mix of depth and complexity. The versatility of both sweet vermouth and dry vermouth as mixers enhances the overall drinking experience, making it an essential ingredient for those seeking a well-rounded, classic cocktail.

Bitters

A dash of bitters can elevate whiskey-based cocktails like the Old Fashioned and give it a distinctive flavor. A few drops of this highly concentrated aromatic liquid impart depth and complexity, enhancing the spirit’s profile. The botanical notes add a subtle twist, creating a balanced and nuanced drink. Many home mixologists would agree that bitters are the secret ingredient that turns a simple pour of whiskey into a refined and timeless classic, making it a must-have on any bar cart.

Citrus and juice pairings

Apple cider

Apple cider combines seamlessly with whiskey in cocktails like the Bourbon Apple Cider, blending the spirit’s warmth with fruity, autumnal notes. The natural sweetness and apple essence emphasizes the whiskey’s depth, setting the stage for comforting and well-balanced drinks. This pairing also evokes the coziness of fall, making it a popular choice for cocktail lovers who enjoy a comforting take on time-honored whiskey cocktails.

Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice adds a tangy and slightly tart dimension to whiskey drinks, setting the scene for a refreshing and balanced fusion of flavors. Its fruity notes enhance the whiskey’s often moody character, acting as a lively mixer. This combination is ideal for those seeking a mildly sweet, cranberry-kissed twist in cocktails like the classic Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour.

Lemonade

Arguably one of the best mixers for whiskey on a sweltering summer’s day, lemonade makes for a cool drink that goes down a treat when the mercury’s high. Its sweetly tart flavor offers a refreshing counterpoint to the whiskey’s warmth, resulting in a thirst-quenching combination. This uncomplicated duo is a go-to choice for a laid-back, summer sipper, perfect for those looking to beat the heat with a satisfying whiskey drink.

Orange juice

Orange juice brings a bright and fruity note to whiskey cocktails, resulting in a refreshing and balanced combination. The citrusy tang of the juice complements the whiskey’s deeper notes, making for a delightful, uncomplicated mixer. This duo is perfect for those who appreciate a sweet and zesty whiskey cocktail.

Pineapple juice

Pineapple juice brings some bright tropical flair to whiskey mixes, making for a refreshing and enjoyable blend. Its natural sweetness and tangy notes complement the whiskey’s complexity, acting as a vibrant mixer. This combination makes it a great option for a relaxed and sunny sip.

Citrus

Citrus adds a gorgeous, zesty note to whiskey sippers, as beautifully illustrated in true classics like the Whiskey Sour and Hot Toddy. The tangy freshness of lemon and lime uplifts a whiskey’s richness, making for a vibrant and revitalizing blend. Citrus effortlessly cuts through whiskey’s warmth, introducing a balanced and invigorating contrast. It’s no wonder that this lively and timeless combination has stood the test of time.

Unique and creative whiskey mixers

Amaro

Amaro adds astonishing depth to whiskey cocktails like the Black Manhattan—a perfect example of what is good to mix with whiskey if you love something a little more complex. Its herbal bitterness complements the spirit, sketching a rich and well-rounded taste profile, while the sweet and savory notes of amaro harmonize with the whiskey’s warmth. This results in a balanced and intriguing combination that’s perfect for those seeking a more sophisticated twist on classic whiskey clinkers.

Coconut water

If you’re wondering what to mix with bourbon besides Coke and like to keep things light and refreshing, might we suggest coconut water? Its mild sweetness and natural hydration properties make it a unique addition to whiskey drinks. Coconut water’s tropical touch will balance bourbon’s warmth, offering a simple yet revitalizing combination. This choice is perfect for those seeking a milder yet still exotic drink, ideal for those warm, sunny days.

Go island-style: 17 Easy Coconut Cocktails to Make at Home

Coffee

Coffee and whiskey are a unique and invigorating combo for those who enjoy a spirited pick-me-up. The robust, earthy notes of coffee counterbalance the whiskey’s warmth, yielding a stimulating mix. The caffeine kick also adds an extra layer of complexity, making it a perfect choice for folks who appreciate bold flavors in whiskey drinks like Irish Coffee.

Thanks for coming! 9 Best Coffee Cocktails to End Your Evening with a Kick

Pickle juice

Pickle juice, although a surprising contender, serves as an unconventional yet refreshing mixer for whiskey, notably in the Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour. Its unique brininess complements the whiskey’s robust character, paving the way for an unexpectedly harmonious blend. This combination typically appeals to folks who appreciate a tangy and bold note in their whiskey cocktails, offering a distinct and memorable flavor experience.

Olive juice

Olive juice, known for its salty tang, lends an unexpected and intriguing flair to whiskey drinks. The brininess of the juice enhances the whiskey’s distinguished profile, making a distinctive combo. Ideal for those who enjoy a savory note in their whiskey cocktails, this pairing offers a unique and memorable flavor experience for sure.

Tea

Tea is a versatile and soothing mixer for whiskey. Black tea provides a robust backdrop for the spirit, enhancing its depth, while green tea can add a light and herbal dimension. Herbal teas like chamomile or Earl Grey, on the other hand, can infuse their own unique flavors. In short, whiskey and tea combinations cater to a wide range of preferences, offering both comforting and dynamic options, making them a versatile choice for cocktail experimentation.

You might also like: Easy Tea Cocktails for Chilled Celebrations

Expert tips from Tris

Tristram Fini, our friend from the Campari Academy UK, has shared some interesting insights on gaining a deeper understanding of whiskey, and how trends are shifting:

How to appreciate whiskey nuances

Choose your glassware with care. To fully appreciate the nuances of whiskey, consider using a Glencairn glass, specifically designed for Scotch whisky tasting. Another excellent option comes from Denver & Liely, a Melbourne-based producer that creates glassware tailored to enhance the characteristics of various liquors, including single malt, bourbon, Japanese whisky, and agave liquors like tequila and mezcal. A standard double old-fashioned or rocks glass also works well.

Add a bit of water. To better understand the whiskey’s flavors, try adding a few drops of water. This can help reduce the overpowering effects of ethanol and make it easier to interpret the tasting notes, though it may slightly alter the texture. A good approach is to taste the whiskey neat first; if you feel it needs dilution to reveal more flavors, go ahead and add water.

Try the Kentucky Chew. One intriguing technique, known as the “Kentucky Chew,” was shared with me by Eddie Russell at Wild Turkey. It involves swishing the whiskey around your mouth on the first sip to prime your palate without breaking apart the flavors. This introduces the ethanol, textures, and base flavors. On the second sip, enjoy the whiskey again, swishing it around while exhaling. This method enhances your experience by enabling you to detect subtle aromas that may have escaped your notice during the initial tasting.

Emerging trends on the horizon

One of the most exciting emerging trends in the whiskey world is the rise of American single malt. Produced primarily in the western United States, particularly in Oregon, Washington State, and Pennsylvania, this style draws inspiration from traditional Scottish single malts and uses malted barley as its primary grain.

The lack of stringent regulations surrounding American single malt allows for greater experimentation, leading to innovative and unique offerings. Producers in these regions are crafting exceptional whiskeys that showcase their distinct terroir. For instance, Westward, under the guidance of master distiller Miles, has gained attention for its fascinating expressions, making American single malt a style to watch as it continues to evolve.

There you have it—17 amazing whiskey mixers to take your at-home drink game to a tasty new level. To get more insider info like this shared straight to your inbox, remember to sign up for our newsletter today. In the meantime, visit the Wild Turkey, The Glen Grant, and Wilderness Trail websites for more whiskey cocktail inspiration.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, mixing whiskey with water is a common practice and can enhance your whiskey-drinking experience. A few drops of water can help open up the aromas and flavors of the whiskey, making it more approachable and enjoyable for those who prefer a milder taste. It's a personal preference, but dilution with water is widely accepted among whiskey enthusiasts.

While whiskey is a versatile spirit, some mixers might not pair as harmoniously. Ingredients like overly sweet, strongly flavored liqueurs or ingredients that clash with its robust profile may not complement whiskey's taste. Experimenting with different mixers can be fun, but it's best to balance flavors to ensure an enjoyable drinking experience.