Celebrate the Arrival of Spring with These Three Refreshing Whisky Cocktails

One might associate whisky with winter for its warming qualities. Sip on a glass of it neat, and it will defrost your fingers and toes immediately when it’s freezing outside. However, when you pair it with a refreshing combination of herbs, fruits, floral notes, and liqueurs, this spirit can truly refresh and re-energise. The warming quality provides a comforting contrast to the lighter and brighter flavors, making it a delightful addition to springtime drinks. Here are some whisky cocktails to celebrate the blooming of flowers and the trees being lush with greenery once again.

Chamomile Honey Highball

The infusion of honey and chamomile creates a delicate and floral flavour profile. Chamomile brings its soothing and calming floral essence to honey, which serves as a neutral flavour carrier. Neither of the ingredients overpower the whisky; instead, they result in a well-balanced yet complex drink. You can also substitute whisky with tequila, gin and bourbon.

Ingredients

15 ml of honey (adjust to taste) 
¼ cup of water
1 chamomile tea bag (with only dried chamomile flowers)
60 ml of Johnny Walker whisky 
30 ml of lemon juice
Edible flowers and lemon slice for garnish

Method

Boil the water and mix the honey in it until completely dissolved. Steep the tea bag for about 3 to 5 minutes. 
After you’ve made this infusion, add it to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, whisky, and lemon juice. 
Shake vigorously till the vessel is chilled. 
Strain over a highball glass that has a large cube of ice.
Garnish with edible flowers and a slice of lemon.

Whisky Smash

The recipe for Whisky Smash first appeared in the 1800s in “The Bartenders Guide” by Jerry Thomas. It only became a popularly ordered drink in the 1980s and 1990s when bartender Dale DeGroff began serving it at the Rainbow Room in New York City. This citrus and mint-infused whisky cocktail is incredibly refreshing, making it perfect for whisky lovers and even those who may be averse to this spirit.

Ingredients

3 lemon wedges
60 ml of your favourite whisky (bourbon is ideal)
15 ml of simply syrup
3-5 mint leaves (save some for the garnish)

Method

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon wedges till they are completely macerated and have released all their juice. 
Next, add whisky, syrup, mint, and ice, and shake for about 15 to 20 seconds. 
Strain over an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube. You can double strain this too.
Serve with a garnish of mint leaves.

The Revolver

You may have never heard of the Revolver, but consider it a cousin to the classic Manhattan and Old Fashioned. It’s a shot of flavour that you won’t forget, thanks to the caffeine kick from the coffee liqueur and the bittersweet notes of bourbon and orange bitters.

Ingredients

60 ml of bourbon whisky 
15 ml of coffee liqueur 
¼ tsp of orange bitters 
Flamed orange peel for garnish

Method

In a mixing glass filled with ice, add the bourbon, coffee liqueur and the orange bitters. Stir and train into a chilled cocktail glass. 
Don’t forget the garnish because it adds to the overall experience of the drink.
Start by using a sharp knife to cut a thin strip of orange peel. Avoid the white pith.
Using tongs, hold the outer side of the orange peel about 6 inches above the gas stove.
Once it's slightly charred, use it for the garnish.