Whiskey’s bold flavors have long made it a favorite spirit for classics like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour dominate menus worldwide, there’s a world of lesser-known whiskey cocktails that deserve the spotlight. These hidden gems offer unique twists on whiskey’s bold character and open doors to fresh experiences for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Here, we’ll explore five underrated whiskey cocktails, diving into their flavors, origins, and why they should be on your must-try list.
1. The Gold Rush
A modern classic that doesn’t get enough attention, the Gold Rush is a honeyed take on the Whiskey Sour. It combines bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup to create a bright yet smooth cocktail perfect for any season.
Flavor Profile:
The Gold Surge equalizations the poignancy of lemon with the normal sweetness of nectar. Bourbon adds its signature warmth and vanilla and caramel notes, creating a refreshing yet satisfying drink.
Why It’s Underrated:
The simplicity of its ingredients masks its depth. Many overlook the Gold Rush, assuming it’s just another sour drink, but its flavor complexity proves otherwise.
Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz nectar syrup (blend rise to parts nectar and warm water)
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rock glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
2. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier often called the whiskey Negroni, is a bold and complex cocktail with a history dating back to the 1920s. It was supposedly concocted by Erskine Gwynne, an American author living in Paris. The drink swaps gin for bourbon or rye, blending whiskey with Campari and sweet vermouth for a bittersweet masterpiece.
Flavor Profile:
This cocktail combines the sharpness of Campari with the sweetness of vermouth and the wealthy, spiced connotations of bourbon. The result is a harmonious mix of flavors citrusy, herbal, and earthy.
Why It’s Underrated:
The Boulevardier is often overlooked in favor of the more famous Negroni. However, its whiskey base adds a richness and depth that gin simply can’t provide, making it a favorite for whisky enthusiasts.
Recipe and Tips:
- 1 oz bourbon or rye
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
Stir the fixings with ice and strain into a shake glass over a huge ice 3d shape or serve in a chilled roadster. Garnish with an orange twist. Experiment with different vermouths to adjust the sweetness and complexity of the drink.
3. Penicillin
The Penicillin cocktail, a brainchild of barkeep Sam Ross, to begin with showed up in Unused York in the early 2000s. Its name is a nod to its comforting, almost medicinal qualities, with honey and ginger bringing soothing flavors. This cocktail blends blended scotch with lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup, topped with a smoky float of Islay single malt scotch.
Flavor Profile:
The Penicillin is a drink of contrasts: the spicy warmth of ginger, the tangy brightness of lemon, the sweetness of honey, and the smoky intensity of scotch all work together seamlessly.
Why It’s Underrated:
Scotch cocktails can be intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with the spirit’s smoky character. The Penicillin, however, is an approachable introduction, with its layered flavors offering a comforting and complex drinking experience.
Recipe and Tips:
- 2 oz blended scotch
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup (mix honey and ginger juice in equal parts)
- ¼ oz Islay single malt scotch (for float)
Shake the to begin with three fixings with ice, strain into a rock glass over ice, and delicately coast the single malt on beat utilizing the back of a spoon. Garnish with a slice of candied ginger for a visually appealing finish.
4. The Paper Plane
This cocktail, another creation by Sam Ross, was inspired by the M.I.A. song of the same name. It’s a present-day mix of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and new lemon juice in break-even with parts. Its unique mix of ingredients makes it a standout in any whiskey lineup.
Flavor Profile:
The Paper Plane is bright, bittersweet, and herbal. Aperol’s citrusy bitterness pairs beautifully with the caramel notes of bourbon, while Amaro Nonino adds a rich, nutty complexity. The lemon juice ties everything together with a refreshing zing.
Why It’s Underrated:
The equal-part recipe ensures balance and consistency, yet the Paper Plane hasn’t achieved mainstream fame. Its sophisticated flavor profile makes it a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
Recipe and Tips:
- ¾ oz bourbon
- ¾ oz Aperol
- ¾ oz Amaro Nonino
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Shake all fixings with ice and strain them into a chilled car glass. No garnish is needed, as its vibrant orange hue is visually stunning. Serve this drink as an aperitif to impress guests.
5. The Scofflaw
The Scofflaw was created in the 1920s during Prohibition and was named after a term used to mock those who flouted the alcohol ban.
Flavor Profile:
The Scofflaw is a mix of tart and sweet, with the spiced character of rye balancing the citrus and pomegranate flavors. The dry vermouth includes an indication of homegrown sharpness, making it a reviving however complex drink.
Why It’s Underrated:
Despite its historical roots and intriguing name, the Scofflaw remains relatively unknown. Its vibrant, citrus-forward flavor makes it a versatile choice for various occasions.
Recipe and Tips:
- 1 ½ oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- ½ oz grenadine
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
Shake all fixings with ice and strain them into a chilled car glass. Decorate with a lemon bend for a touch of class. Using homemade grenadine enhances the cocktail’s freshness and color.
Why Explore These Underrated Cocktails?
These cocktails showcase whiskey’s incredible versatility and ability to pair with diverse flavors. By stepping away from the classics, you’ll discover new dimensions of this beloved spirit. Whether you prefer smoky, sweet, or bitter profiles, there’s an underrated whiskey cocktail waiting to be your next favorite.
So, the next time you’re at a bar or planning a home mixology session, venture beyond the usual suspects. Raise a glass to these hidden treasures and toast to the joy of uncovering something new!
