Home Bar Must-Haves For Anytime Whisky Cocktails
Sipping a smooth and smoky whisky cocktail at home is pure bliss, isn’t it? Whether you enjoy the intricate flavours of an old-fashioned cocktail or the foamy goodness of a whisky sour, or maybe you simply want to savour whisky on the rocks - there’s a whisky cocktail for every mood and taste. If you want to mix up these delectable whisky cocktails at home in a snap or to wow your house party guests, we have something that you might find interesting! We have curated a list of all the essentials you need to craft unforgettable cocktails at home with ease. Explore now and get ready to stock up on your home bar!
Home Bar Essentials For Whisky Cocktails
1. Bar Tools
If you want to whip up captivating whisky cocktails at home, make sure to stock up on essential bar tools.
A cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, mixing glass etc. - are important barware that you need to mix, shake, and stir your drink. Having a set of bar tools at your home bar will help in creating well-balanced and smooth cocktails.
2. Whisky
Whisky comes in different varieties depending on grins, casks and region of production. The two main types of whisky are Malt whisky which is made using malted barley, and grain whisky which is made from any type of grain.
Further, these types can be divided into Single Malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, barrel proof whisky, and single barrel whisky. Each of these types has a unique character and flavour profile. Choose the whisky for your home bar based on your preferences and the kind of cocktails you want to mix at home.
If you prefer scotch whisky, we recommend - Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, Black & White, J&B Rare, or Black Dog. But if you love single malt whiskies, Talisker Single Malt and The Singleton Single Malt are the best options. You can also consider Antiquity Blue Whisky, Royal Challenge American Pride, and Signature Rare Aged Whisky.
We suggest stocking up on more than one type of whisky as it elevates your home bartender adventures! You will be able to craft a variety of drinks and experiment with flavours to create something truly delicious!
3. Vermouth
If you enjoy cocktails like Manhattan, Rob Roy, etc., vermouth is a must-have ingredient in your home bar! Vermouth is a fortified wine which imparts delicate sweetness and complexity to cocktails. There are two types - dry vermouth and sweet vermouth - we recommend having both on your shelf to experiment and craft flavourful cocktails at home.
4. Bitters
These are used to balance and enhance the flavours of the cocktails. For example, if your cocktail ingredients are too sweet, adding a dash or two of bitters will suppress the sweetness very subtly and let the other flavours take centre stage. In whisky cocktail recipes, bitters complement the intricate flavours of bourbon or whisky very beautifully, creating a well-balanced drink. Bitters are essentially alcoholic spirits that are infused with rich botanicals such as herbs and spices. They are used in many cocktail recipes such as old-fashioned, mint julep, whisky sour, Manhattan, etc. Look for aromatic bitters that match the cocktails you want to mix at home.
5. Mixers
To craft delicious whisky cocktails you may want to stock up on mixers. These are carbonated drinks and juices which you can mix with your whisky. For example, if you enjoy sipping mint julep or whisky highball, ginger ale or ginger beer are a must-have in your home bar! You can also stock up on cola, tonic water, club soda, etc for fizzy drinks. If you are using juice in your recipe, we recommend using fresh juices only made of orange, cranberry, lime, etc.
6. Cocktail Garnishes
The perfect way to enhance your whisky cocktails is by garnishing them with the right ingredients. Always use fresh fruits for garnishing. Additionally, you can also store dehydrated fruits, herbs, or spices to craft visually appealing drinks. Some popular cocktail garnishes are lemon wedges, orange peels, cherries, mint sprigs, cinnamon sticks, honey, etc.
Well, that’s our round-up on the must-haves for your home bar! Now that you have what you need, here are two whisky cocktail recipes to mix at home.
1. Old-Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
A simple and elegant drink, the old-fashioned cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves whisky! This is one of the iconic and oldest whisky cocktails. Crafted with whisky, bitters, and sugar, this sophisticated cocktail perfectly combines the complexity and flavours of the spirit. Here’s the cocktail recipe made using the finest Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky that you can try at home:
Ingredients
- Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky - 60ml
- Angostura Bitters - 3 dashes
- Water - 1 teaspoon
- Sugar - 1 teaspoon
- Orange Twist - 1
- Ice
Method
- Grab a mixing glass and add sugar followed by bitters.
- Pour one teaspoon of water into the mixing glass.
- Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Next, fill the mixing glass with ice.
- Measure and pour Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky into the mixing glass.
- Stir well to combine.
- Prepare a rocks glass by placing a big block of ice in it.
- Using a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the prepared rocks glass.
- Twist an orange peel to express the oils into the drink and drop it into the glass to garnish.
2. Whisky Sour Cocktail Recipe
Another classic whisky cocktail that has truly stood the test of time. The robust flavours of the whisky meet the smooth texture of egg whites and the goodness of citrus in a beautiful blend. Whether you want to unwind after a long day or a casual get-together at home, whisky-sour cocktails will surely impress! Here’s the cocktail recipe made using the finest Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky that you can try at home:
Ingredients
- Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky - 60ml
- Lemon juice - 22.5ml
- Simple syrup - 15ml
- Egg-white - 15ml
- Angostura bitters - 1 dash
- Ice
Method
- Grab a cocktail shaker and pour Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon into it.
- Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolk and pour it into the cocktail shaker.
- Dry shake the ingredients without adding ice.
- Next, add some ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again to combine.
- Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
