Well, it’s over. That’s right; Mad Men’s series finale has finally come and gone, leaving many of us with finely filigreed bottles of delicious brown spirits that we’d sip on as we watched Don Draper schmooze his way in and out of situations.  Now, I have no problem putting good whiskey to use, simply by adding one large ice cube, but some people may think What the heck am I going to do with all this whiskey?

Whiskey cocktails are just the thing. Slightly sweet and layered with rich, quality ingredients, they’re just in time for Father’s Day.

Sazerac Cocktail

The ultimate classic, this cocktail has come back with a vengeance. Many judge a new bar or restaurant on how good its Sazerac is. Here is the official recipe from the Sazerac Company:

1 cube sugar

1½ oz. Sazerac Rye Whiskey

¼ oz. Herbsaint or Absinthe

3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Lemon peel

Pack an old-fashioned glass with ice.

In a second old-fashioned glass, place the sugar cube and then add the Peychaud’s Bitters to it. Crush the sugar cube.

Add the Sazerac Rye Whiskey or Buffalo Trace Bourbon to the second glass containing the Peychaud’s Bitters and sugar.

Empty the ice from the first glass and coat the glass with the Herbsaint. Discard the remaining Herbsaint.

Empty the whiskey/bitters/sugar mixture from the second glass into the first glass and garnish with lemon peel.

Peach and Blackberry Muddle 

The peaches are coming in by the truckload, the berries are plump and juicy, and if you’re like me, you have more mint than you know what to do with!  This drink is perfect for a late afternoon get-together.

4 thin slices peach

6 blackberries

2 large sprigs mint

1 1/2 tsp. honey

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 oz. bourbon

Ice

Seltzer

In a double old-fashioned glass, combine 2 peach slices, 3 blackberries, mint, honey, and lemon juice. Mash gently with the back of a spoon until fruit releases juices. Add bourbon, remaining peach slices, and remaining blackberries. Fill glass with ice and top with seltzer.

Hot Blooded  

I love spicy food. Some may say it’s from my Hispanic heritage, but contrary to popular belief, Cuban food is not spicy. I just like spicy, and I like this drink. Citrusy and dense with flavor, the jalapeno gives quite the kick! Bottled blood orange juice works well, but the fresh stuff makes the drink really sing!

1 cup fresh-squeezed blood orange juice

2 tbsp. agave nectar

1/2 cup whiskey

1 medium-sized jalapeno, chopped, stem removed (about 2 tbsp.)

Sweet Whiskey Lemonade 

You may have to steal a few lemons from the corner lemonade stand to make this one, but fresh-squeezed citrus is a key ingredient.  

2 oz. Cointreau

2 oz. Jameson whiskey

1 and ½ oz. lemon juice

⅔ oz. lime juice

1 tsp. granulated sugar

½ tsp. apricot puree

3 oz. Polar sparkling water

If you have Dad coming over for his special day, greet him with a great drink like one of these.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy whiskey? Cocktail? Straight up? On the rocks? Tweet me @Ninoswineexpert

Enjoy!

Jennifer