As a bartender, it's always exciting to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious drinks. One of my favorite flavor combinations to work with is citrus and whiskey.
Citrus adds a bright and refreshing note to the smoky, rich flavor of whiskey, creating a harmonious balance that is both complex and satisfying.
When it comes to crafting the perfect citrus whiskey cocktail, there are endless possibilities.
From classic recipes that have been around for decades to modern twists on the traditional, there is no shortage of inspiration when it comes to mixing these two flavors together.
But what makes a great citrus whiskey cocktail? In my opinion, it's all about finding the right balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors.
The citrus should be bright and zesty without overpowering the whiskey, while the sweetness should be subtle enough to complement the other ingredients without making the drink too sugary.
Throughout my years behind the bar, I've experimented with countless citrus whiskey cocktail recipes, and I've come to appreciate the unique qualities that each one brings to the table.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite recipes that highlight the best of these two delicious flavors. So grab a glass and get ready to mix up some truly amazing cocktails!
1. Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail
The Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail is a delightful addition to any holiday menu. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet oranges, along with a hint of lemon juice and fresh thyme, creates a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of whiskey gives it a warm and cozy feel, making it the perfect drink to enjoy on a chilly winter evening.
The cocktail can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday parties. The recipe is easy to follow, and even those who are not avid whiskey drinkers will find themselves enjoying this delicious cocktail. Overall, the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and flavorful drink this holiday season.
2. Millionaire's Lemonade
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make Citrus Whiskey Cocktail, Millionaire's Lemonade is definitely worth trying. This cocktail combines the classic flavors of lemonade and iced tea with Jack Daniels whiskey to create a perfect summer drink. The recipe comes from the Pig Beach BBQ cookbook, which features more than 50 recipes for traditional and new barbecue dishes.
Millionaire's Lemonade is a simple yet delicious cocktail that can be made with a cocktail shaker or mason jar. It's garnished with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge, making it a visually appealing drink as well. Whether you're hosting a summer party or just lounging by the pool, Millionaire's Lemonade is a refreshing and flavorful option to consider.
3. Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail is a classic bourbon whiskey cocktail with a twist of vanilla. The addition of Crown Royal Vanilla, a blend of hand-selected Crown Royal whiskies infused with the rich flavor of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, gives this cocktail a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
The cocktail is garnished with an orange slice and/or a maraschino cherry, and the orange zest is used for flavor. The recipe is simple and easy to make, and it's perfect for those who prefer a cocktail on the rocks. If you're a fan of Canadian whisky and love vanilla, this cocktail is a must-try. It's a "best of both worlds" experience that will leave you wanting more.
4. Blackberry Citrus Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Blackberry Citrus Old Fashioned Cocktail is a perfect summer drink for whiskey lovers. This fruity cocktail is made with fresh blackberries and oranges, and a simple syrup made from sugar and water. The addition of Hella Citrus Bitters gives it a well-balanced profile with floral and citrus notes. The cocktail is served without ice, making it a great option for camping or outdoor events.
The Snow Peak Silicone Rocks Glass is the perfect addition to the cocktail kit, ensuring that there is no worry of broken glass on the ground. The recipe is easy to follow and the ingredients are readily available. If you are looking for a refreshing and fruity whiskey cocktail, the Blackberry Citrus Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
5. Apple Whiskey Sour
The Apple Whiskey Sour is a perfect cocktail for those who love the combination of whiskey and fresh apples. This autumnal twist on the classic whiskey sour is bursting with fall flavors and is the perfect balance of bourbon whiskey and the flavor of fresh apples. The cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared in less than 5 minutes.
It is a great cocktail for special occasions in the fall, from Halloween to Thanksgiving. The recipe has been re-photographed and improved, making it even more appealing. If you're looking for a delicious cocktail to try this fall, the Apple Whiskey Sour is definitely worth a shot.
6. Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail
The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic Campari cocktail. This citrus-infused cocktail adds a splash of sweet-tart blood orange juice to the mix, creating a beautifully balanced and refreshing sip.
The combination of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari is assertive yet smooth, with lightly-sweet, bitter, and herbal notes. The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is perfect for cooler days and begs to be sipped slowly in front of a warm fire. If you're looking for a citrusy and complex whiskey cocktail, the Blood Orange Boulevardier is a must-try.
7. Blushing Whiskey Sour
The Blushing Whiskey Sour is a perfect cocktail for those who love a fruity twist to their whiskey drinks. With its beautiful pink color and blackberry garnish, it's a great addition to any St. Patrick's Day or Easter gathering. The cocktail is made with lemon, simple syrup, and whiskey, but the addition of blackberries gives it a unique and refreshing taste.
It's a great option for those who want to enjoy a whiskey drink without too much of the strong taste. Overall, the Blushing Whiskey Sour is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and visually appealing citrus whiskey cocktail.
8. Blueberry Whiskey Buck
The Blueberry Whiskey Buck is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that combines the smooth taste of Tennessee whiskey with the sweet and spicy flavors of blueberries, lemon, and ginger beer.
The cocktail is easy to make and requires only a handful of simple ingredients. The use of fresh blueberries and Maine Root Ginger Brew gives this cocktail a summery twist, making it the perfect drink for impromptu parties.
9. Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing and bright cocktail that is perfect for those who are looking for a luxurious and classy drink. This 19th-century cocktail is similar to the Mint Julep and is known for its fruit-forward flavor.
The addition of mint and citrus takes the edge off the whiskey, making it palatable for those who don’t like whiskey in general. It’s a charming, simple, and sophisticated cocktail that is sure to please any palate. The Whiskey Smash is a fabulous choice for a summer cocktail, and it's perfect for parties.
10. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic whiskey cocktail that has been enjoyed for over 200 years. This simple yet sophisticated drink consists of only four ingredients – bourbon, sugar, water, and bitters – and is garnished with a citrus twist. The use of sugar cubes instead of simple syrup gives the drink a rich and velvety texture, while the bitters add depth and complexity to the flavors.
The Old Fashioned is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the smooth and sweet taste of bourbon, and the addition of a citrus twist gives it a refreshing twist. This cocktail is a must-try for any whiskey lover looking for a classic drink that never goes out of style.
11. Cuban Old Fashioned
The Cuban Old Fashioned is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail. This recipe combines the bold taste of bourbon with the rich and nutty flavor of Cuban coffee, creating a strong and slightly spicy drink. The addition of bitters and a twist of citrus rind adds a refreshing touch to the cocktail.
This drink is perfect for bourbon lovers who are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy their favorite spirit. The Cuban Old Fashioned is definitely worth trying for those who are looking for a bold and flavorful citrus whiskey cocktail.
12. Basin Street Cocktail
The Basin Street Cocktail is a prohibition-era bourbon cocktail that is perfect for those who love a refreshing citrusy drink. This cocktail is a delightful combination of Triple Sec, lemon juice, and a higher proofed, heavy bourbon, which gives it an oakier and earthier taste. However, if you use a lighter and sweeter bourbon, you will get a lighter and sweeter cocktail.
The Basin Street Cocktail is a simple, tasty, and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for warm summer days. It is also a great pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner sip any time of the year. If you are looking for a citrusy whiskey cocktail that is easy to make and delicious to drink, then the Basin Street Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
13. New York Sour
The New York Sour is a unique twist on the classic Whiskey Sour cocktail. It is made by adding a float of red wine on top of the whiskey sour mix, giving it a beautiful layered effect. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a citrusy kick in their drinks, as the sour mix adds a refreshing tang to the whiskey.
The addition of red wine gives the cocktail a depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness. The spooky red streaks of cherry juice running down the sides of the glass make it a perfect Halloween cocktail. The New York Sour is a must-try for anyone looking for a fun and delicious citrus whiskey cocktail.
14. Stockyard Pony Cocktail
The Stockyard Pony Cocktail is a must-try for whiskey lovers who enjoy a citrus twist. This cocktail combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the sweet and tangy taste of Campari and lemon juice. The addition of bitters and simple syrup balance out the flavors perfectly.
The cocktail's deep orange color is eye-catching and the flamed orange peel adds a touch of drama. The Stockyard Pony Cocktail is a perfect choice for a special occasion or a weekend get-together with friends. Don't miss out on this delightful cocktail that will leave you wanting more.
15. Classic Whiskey Sour
The Classic Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail that has been around for centuries. It's a simple yet refreshing drink that consists of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a classic drink without any frills.
With its perfect balance of sweet and sour, the Classic Whiskey Sour is a great choice for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying it on a hot summer day or sipping it by the fire on a cold winter night, this cocktail is sure to please. So, if you're looking for a classic cocktail that's easy to make and always delicious, give the Classic Whiskey Sour a try.
16. Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier Cocktail is a sophisticated variation of the Negroni that swaps gin for whiskey. Made with just three ingredients – whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth – this complex and rich cocktail balances the heat of the whiskey with the intriguing bitterness of the Campari and the sweet notes of the vermouth.
Served on the rocks with an orange peel expressed over the top, the Boulevardier is a great introduction to the world of bitter liqueurs for whiskey drinkers.
17. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that combines the bold flavor of whiskey with the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of simple syrup. What sets this cocktail apart is the addition of egg white, which gives it a silky texture and a frothy top.
Served on the rocks with a slice of orange or a cherry, this cocktail is a refreshing and satisfying choice for any occasion. Whether you're a whiskey lover or just looking to try something new, the Whiskey Sour is a must-try cocktail that will leave you wanting more.
18. The Penicillin
The Penicillin is a unique and intriguing Scotch Whiskey cocktail that combines the flavors of lemon, honey, and ginger with a smoky Islay Scotch whiskey. This bright and sour cocktail has a bit of spice and sweetness that balances out its sharp edges, making it a perfect sipping cocktail.
The smoky Scotch whiskey adds a complex and interesting flavor to the drink, making it stand out from other citrus whiskey cocktails. While it may be challenging to find the right smoky Scotch whiskey, it's worth the effort to experience the full flavor of this delicious cocktail. The Penicillin is a must-try for any whiskey lover looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail.
19. Bourbon Sidecar
The Bourbon Sidecar is a refreshing twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail. With its origins dating back to the 1920s, this cocktail swaps out brandy for bourbon whiskey, resulting in a spicy and sweet finish. The addition of Cointreau adds a balanced orange perfume flavor, making it a perfect choice for those who love sour cocktails.
For those who want to mix things up, adding rum to the Bourbon Sidecar creates the classic Between the Sheets cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for any occasion and season, making it a must-try for any whiskey sour fan looking for a citrusy kick.
20. Classic Sazerac
The Classic Sazerac is a timeless cocktail made with rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, sugar, and an absinthe rinse. It's a celebration of all things New Orleans and has been enjoyed for over a century.
The cocktail is deceptively easy to construct, but the devil is in the details, and there are many ways to tweak it to suit your palate. The Classic Sazerac is a must-try for any whiskey cocktail lover, and with its rich history and endless variations, it's sure to become a favorite.
21. Chamomile Honey and Whiskey Cocktail
The Chamomile Honey and Whiskey Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for those who want a mild and relaxed flavor. The cocktail is made by adding honey and bourbon to chamomile tea bags and letting it steep before shaking it and serving it over ice.
The fresh chamomile flowers are used as a garnish, adding a touch of elegance to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance drink that can be made quickly and easily. If you're looking for a drink that is perfect for a lazy day by the pool or a relaxing evening at home, the Chamomile Honey and Whiskey Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
22. Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a lesser-known but truly fantastic citrus whiskey cocktail that is sure to impress. Made with equal parts of Aperol, bourbon, Amaro, and fresh squeezed lemon juice, this cocktail was invented by bartender Sam Ross in 2007 and has been gaining popularity ever since.
Although it shares some similarities with the pre-prohibition cocktail "The Last Word", the Paper Plane stands on its own with a unique balance of flavors that make it dangerously sessionable. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a citrusy, slightly bitter taste with a smooth finish. If you're looking for a new and exciting citrus whiskey cocktail to try, the Paper Plane is definitely worth a shot.
23. Citrus Whiskey Tea Punch
Citrus Whiskey Tea Punch is a perfect drink for the holiday season. This sweet and boozy punch is full of bright flavors that can make any party more festive. The recipe includes black tea, green tea, whiskey, applejack, sugar, lemons, oranges, pomegranates, cranberries, and blood oranges.
The citrus flavor is the star of the show, and the tea gives a bit of bitter balance to the sweet recipe. This punch is perfect for those who love a good punch and want to make lasting memories during the holiday season.
