As we near the end of Dry January (well, for those who participated), thirsts are beginning to rev up. Here, then, are a few fun whiskey-based cocktail recipes to enjoy in the new year.

Old Pal

Whiskey remastered, BLACKENED was created in 2018 by late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell and Metallica. It’s a blend of North American bourbons and ryes that are married in brandy casks and finished to the low-hertz frequencies of Metallica’s music through the BLACK NOISE sonic-enhancement process. The soundwaves shake the finishing barrel, causing greater interaction between the whiskey wood, thereby extracting more flavor and color from the barrel. Rock on.

Ingredients:

2 parts Blackened American Whiskey

1 part Campari

1 part Dry Vermouth

Orange Essence

Maraschino Cherry

Glass: Rocks Glass (because, of course)

Garnish: Orange essence and Maraschino cherry

Method: Add all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass OR pour over a large cube into rocks glass. Garnish with orange essence and Maraschino cherry.

Manhattan

Laws Whiskey House is a grain to bottle whiskey distillery in Denver, Colorado. With an emphasis on Colorado terroir that supports two local family farms, Laws’ whiskies feature high altitude grown American mother grains and mountain spring water and are aged in 53-gallon charred American oak barrels. Its flagship expressions are the San Luis Valley Straight Rye and the Four Grain Straight Bourbon, both solid entry points to the brand and perfect for your favorite cocktail recipes.

Description: A traditional Manhattan cocktail recipe made with Laws’ San Luis Valley Rye

Ingredients:

2 oz Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Rye

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Glass: Coupe

Garnish: Brandied cocktail cherry

Method: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to combine. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry and enjoy.

Old Fashioned

Inspired by the ragtime rye era of the early 20th century, Ragtime Rye is distilled from rye grown in New York State. Crafted from New York Distilling Company’s in-house blend of 3-,4-, 5-, and 6-year old whiskeys aged in new, charred American oak barrels. 

Ingredients:

1 Sugar Cube (or ½ tsp of granulated sugar)

2 oz RAGTIME RYE WHISKEY

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Chilled Seltzer or Club Soda

Glassware: Old Fashioned glass

Garnish: Orange Peel

Method: Place the sugar in an old-fashioned glass. Add bitters and splash of seltzer or club soda and muddle together with the sugar. Roll the glass (and use a handy bar spoon) to coat the glass with the muddled sugar. Add a large ice cube, add RAGTIME RYE, give a quick stir and, if at all possible, serve with a petite serving stick.