It’s an underappreciated truth that rye whiskey makes perhaps the most phenomenal cocktail base in existence, with its bold flavors and spicy tendencies. In fact, some of the world’s oldest cocktails made good use of this original American whiskey–think the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned, and the Sazerac.
Also underappreciated: In the hotter months, rye can add a delightful spicy kick to fruit-infused cocktails, and its herbaceous notes practically scream summer. With this in mind, here are five of our favorite rye-based cocktail recipes for summer sipping, from twists on the whiskey highball to a whiskey-based version of the Tequila Sunrise. Bottoms up and see you at the pool…
You might think the spiciness of both rye and ginger would have them competing for attention in this cocktail. Instead, they join forces to give the palate a summer moment that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
2 oz Pinhook Rye
1 oz Ginger syrup
.75 oz Lime juice
4 dashes Angostura bitters
1 Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
01. Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake vigorously.
02. Stain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
03. Garnish with lime wheel.
This twist on the Tequila Sunrise cocktail is, like the name suggests, a fantastic sunset companion, wherever in the world your summer takes you. Fruity and citrusy, with just enough of a kick to propel you into the evening.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Pinhook Rye
1.5 oz Pineapple juice
1.5 oz Cranberry juice
.25 oz Lime juice
3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
2 Brandied cherries for garnish
Instructions:
01. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake.
02. Strain into a collins glass filled with fresh ice.
03. Garnish with cherries on a pick and serve with a cocktail straw.
Channel the Mediterranean heat of Amalfi and Portofino with this full-of-intrigue cocktail that mixes Pinhook Rye with two of Italy’s beloved aperitifs, Cocchi Americano and Campari. La dolce vita, indeed.
Ingredients:
2 oz Pinhook Rye
.75 oz oz Cocchi Americano
.75 oz oz Pineapple juice
.5 oz Campari
.25oz Lime juice
Instructions:
01. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
02. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
If you want to keep it on the light and refreshing side as the mid-afternoon sun beats down, this perfectly balanced quencher is for you. The rye and the rosemary bring herbs and spice, the lemon and orange juices bring the citrus, and the Yellow Chartreuse brings a dash of sweetness.
Ingredients:
1 oz Pinhook Rye
.75 oz Yellow Chartreuse
.75 oz Rosemary syrup
.5 oz Lemon juice
.5 oz Orange juice
Instructions:
01. Mix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake.
02. Strain into a collins glass filled with fresh ice.
03. Garnish with lemon twist.
Like a fine thoroughbred, this icy cocktail is a wonder to behold, with its long lemon peel snaking from bottom to rim. Underneath the pageantry, it’s a simple but perfect antidote to the summer swelter.
Ingredients:
2 oz Pinhook Rye
Ginger ale
1 Long lemon peel, for garnish
Instructions:
01. Add rye to a collins glass filled with ice. Fill with ginger ale and stir.
02. Snake lemon peel so it reaches from the bottom of the glass to the top.
