Life

These Drinks Will Change The Way You See Whiskey

by Alyse Whitney

Mother Nature has been playing some wicked games this year. It's hot then it's cold, it's yes then it's no — you never know if it's going to be snowing or blasting bright sun into your eyes on your morning commute. While the weather is in limbo, it's time to take matters into your own hands by sipping on spring and summer cocktails that will at least make you feel warm inside. Even though you may want to reach for a frozen daiquiri or even a Cosmopolitan, trust me when I say it's time to try something new and even more refreshing: whiskey cocktails.

Did your eyes just bug out of your head? I promise you read that correctly. Whiskey isn't just for drinking on the rocks, making Irish Car Bombs on St. Patrick's Day, or enjoying warm winter whiskey cocktails, and it can even be used as a replacement in vodka or gin-based drinks. One of my favorite ways is to swap the booze in a Moscow Mule, and on a recent trip to Minneapolis with 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey, I tried some other summery cocktails that changed my perspective on the spirit. Not only does a smooth whiskey blend well with both savory and sweet flavors, but its slight bite gives a drink a punch without too much of a burn afterward. With that said, these cocktails are strong and meant for sipping, not guzzling, but with their refreshing flavors, you may attempt to chug one down. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Green Ginger Sour

Ingredients:

  • 2 Gingers® Irish Whiskey — 1.5 parts
  • Green Chartreuse — 3/4 part
  • Maraschino Liqueur — 3/4 part
  • Lime Juice — 1 part

Directions: Stir in a mixing glass with a big crushed cube of ice. Strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a griottine cherry.

Big Ginger®

Ingredients:

  • 2 Gingers® Irish Whiskey — 2 parts
  • Ginger Ale
  • Lemon Wedge
  • Lime Wedge

Directions: Pour the whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

Sweet Ginger Sipper

Ingredients:

  • 2 Gingers® Irish Whiskey — 2 parts
  • Lillet Blanc — 1 part
  • Cointreau — 3/4 part
  • Orange Bitters — five dashes
  • Lemon Peel

Directions: Shake in a mixing glass, and pour into a glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

Images: Robert S. Donovan/Flickr; 2 Gingers® Irish Whiskey