Rye whiskey is spicy and full-bodied, perfect for all sorts of cocktail recipes. This is how it works and what the best drinks are made with it.
It’s spicy and peppery and might make you feel more comfortable: it’s Rye whiskey! This whiskey is great for straight-up drinking or in cocktails. Some of the most well-known classic drinks are made with rye, such as Manhattan or Sazerac. This special liquor is what you should use in your drinks. Here’s a quick overview of what it is, the best rye whiskey cocktails, and some brands that we love. Continue reading!
What is Rye whiskey?
Rye whiskey is made from a majority of the grain. This refers to American Rye Whisky, at least 51% rye mashing or Canadian Whisky, which may or not contain rye. Canadian regulations do not require that it contain rye. However, it has historically. Rye is well-known for its strong and spicy flavour.
Whiskey is a type of distilled liquor made from fermenting grains mash, such as wheat, rye and barley. The whiskey is then aged in oak-coloured wooden barrels. Depending on the country and production style, there are many whiskey types, such as rye whiskey, Scotch whiskey, Scotch whiskey, Canadian whiskey, Japanese whiskey, and Irish whiskey.
How does rye whiskey taste?
Rye whiskey is full-bodied, spicy, and has a peppery finish. It is much drier than the flavoured bourbon, which is sweeter and made up of at least 51% corn.
What percentage of alcohol is contained in rye whiskey? Depending on the brand, it can range from 40% to 60% ABV.
It’s why we love it.
Rye whiskey has a rich, spicy taste and a full body. This whiskey is great for whiskey enthusiasts, but it also has many options for beginners. Try the Ward8, Whiskey Sour, or Whiskey Ginger to make rye more digestible. You might enjoy the spicy taste of rye in a cocktail like the Manhattan, Sazerac.
What is the cost of this?
Rye whiskey is a mid-priced liquor compared to other liquors. Prices and quality can vary. A 750ml bottle of 750ml can be purchased for between $25 and $35. The high-end bottles can cost up to $700.
What are some great brands of Rye Whiskey? Bulleit is a good choice. We also recommend Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek. Crown Royal Canadian Rye Whisky.
Manhattan Cocktail
The most iconic rye whiskey cocktail? The Manhattan. The Manhattan is a three-ingredient drink that delivers flavour. It contains hints of spice, rye whiskey, sweet and tangy vermouth, and bitters. The Manhattan date back to 1870.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic boozy rye whiskey cocktail. It’s one of the best cocktails. This one has a surprising element: Absinthe adds a black liquorice flavour to every sip. Sazerac was created in New Orleans around the mid-1800s and is the official drink in the city.
Ward 8
The Ward 8 is a classic rye whiskey cocktail, but it’s not often seen. This riff on the whiskey sour was created in Boston in 1898. It needs to be revived. The Ward 8 is balanced and tart, whereas whiskey sour can be sweet. This drink combines rye whiskey, orange juice, and grenadine to provide sweetness and colour. It’s a delightfully unique drink.
Toronto
The Toronto, a 1920’s-inspired Old Fashioned cocktail with Fernet Branca and Rye Whiskey, is a fancy twist on the Old Fashioned. It is alcohol-forward with a complex, sophisticated, and rich taste. It balances the earthiness and subtle bitterness of Fernet-Branca with the rye whiskey.
Manhattan (& Other Rye Whiskey Cocktails).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Ingredients
- Two ounces ( 4 tablespoons). Rye whiskey
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sweet red vermouth
- 3 dashes of Angostura, orange bitters
- Garnish with Luxardo cherry, or another cocktail cherry
Instructions
- Mix the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a cocktail mix glass (or other glass). Mix the whiskey, vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass. Stir continuously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Serve with a cherry garnish.