Whisky Cocktails for Every Season: From Summer Refreshers to Winter Warmers
Let’s make some whisky cocktails. How about one for each season?
From summer refreshers to winter warmers, below are two whisky cocktails for each season. Fresh and floral spring serves, cool and crips summer refreshers, warm and spicy autumnal treats, and rich and comforting winter tots.
Not that you need to live somewhere that has seasons to take part. You can still make these cocktails if you are in a desert or a rainforest. Or the west coast of Ireland. Which is a rainy forest.
In fact, even if you live somewhere with defined seasons in mind, you can enjoy any of these recipes all year round if you like. Who’s stopping you from sipping a Hot Toddy in July or enjoying a Whisky Smash in December? Your glass, your rules.
You can find more whisky cocktails in our dedicated whisky guides. Enjoy!
Whisky is a cocktail spirit as much as any other. Embrace it.
Can whisky be used in cocktails?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.
It’s a drum that’s been banged often enough it would seem, but too many people are still told to drink whisky a certain way, rather than enjoy the drink how they want, with what they want.
Whisky is a fantastic cocktail spirit because of its personality and versatility. Whether it’s a rich single malt, a smooth Irish blend, or a bold spicy rye, whisky brings depth and character to a multitude of drinks. From the smokiness of peaty Scotches to the sweet, caramel notes of American bourbons, there’s a whisky profile for every mix.
Whisky isn’t just for neat sipping; it’s a mixologist’s best mate. Here’s a selection that proves that and highlights how whisky can be enjoyed in every climate.
Whisky cocktails for every season
Twists on a Whisky Sour are simple but so effective
Spring whisky cocktails
These are the garden party starters. Fresh and floral serves that are like drinking spring in a glass – without the hay fever.
Whisky Smash
Ingredients: 50ml bourbon, 8 fresh mint leaves, half a lemon (cut into wedges), 15ml simple syrup.
Method: Muddle the lemon and mint with syrup in a shaker. Add bourbon, ice, and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice and garnish with more mint.
Lavender Whisky Sour
Ingredients: 50ml blended Scotch whisky, 25ml lemon juice, 15ml lavender syrup, egg white (or aquafaba for vegans).
Method: Shake all ingredients without ice first (dry shake), then add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and add a cheeky sprig of lavender if you’re feeling fancy.
If you haven’t discovered the joy of a Whisky Highball, correct this immediately
Summer whisky cocktails
Cool and crisp cocktails await, heatwave heroes and pub garden greats. Perfect for those days when the UK forgets it’s supposed to be cold and rainy.
Whisky Highball
Ingredients: 50ml whisky, 150ml soda water, lemon peel.
Method: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the whisky, top with soda water, and garnish with a lemon twist. Give it a gentle stir – no need to knock your glass over.
Peach Whisky Iced Tea
Ingredients: 50ml Tennesse whiskey, 100ml iced tea (brewed and chilled), 25ml peach purée or juice, lemon slices.
Method: Mix whisky, iced tea, and peach juice in a glass filled with ice. Stir and garnish with lemon slices.
Perhaps my favourite cocktail: The Old Fashioned. Maple syrup is a game-changer.
Autumn whisky cocktails
Onto sweater weather favourites and Bonfire Night specials. Ideal for those who like being cosy, complaining about the rain and enjoying pumpkin-anything.
Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients: 50ml rye whisky, 10ml maple syrup, 2 dashes Orange Bitters, orange twist.
Method: Stir whisky, maple syrup, and bitters over ice in a mixing glass until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist.
Cinnamon Whisky Mule
Ingredients: 50ml Irish whiskey, 100ml ginger beer, 15ml lime juice, cinnamon stick.
Method: Build in a mule cup or glass over ice: whisky, lime juice, and ginger beer. Stir with a cinnamon stick and leave it in as garnish – it’s autumn, go wild.
Whisky isn’t too good for a Hot Chocolate. Embrace your indulgent side.
Winter whisky cocktails
Chase away the cold (and actual colds) with fireside indulgences and hugs-in-a-mug
Hot Toddy
Ingredients: 50ml Scotch single malt whisky, 150ml hot water, 15ml honey, lemon slice, 3 cloves.
Method: Stick the cloves into the lemon slice like a makeshift voodoo doll, then add it to a mug with whisky and honey. Top with hot water and stir. Sip slowly while wearing your fluffiest jumper.
Whisky Hot Chocolate
Ingredients: 50ml grain whisky, hot chocolate (as rich as you can make it), whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings.
Method: Pour hot chocolate into a mug, stir in the whisky, and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Sip while listening to the wind howl, smug and snug.
What’s your favourite whisky cocktail?
Whisky cocktails for every season – bonus tip:
Experiment with different types of whisky for each cocktail. For instance, use peaty Scotch for a smoky Hot Toddy in winter or a light, floral single malt for a springtime Whisky Smash.
Cheers to the year-round whisky adventure!
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