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Rye whiskey brings a spicy, bold kick to cocktails that bourbon just can’t match. With its peppery, slightly fruity notes, it pairs beautifully with bitters, citrus, and sweet liqueurs.
Whether you love a classic Old Fashioned or want to explore creative new drinks, rye whiskey is a versatile, exciting base for cocktails. From smooth and sippable to bold and bracing, these 22 rye whiskey cocktails are guaranteed to impress.
Grab your shaker, pour a dram, and let’s mix up something amazing!
1. Classic Rye Old Fashioned
This timeless cocktail lets rye’s spicy complexity shine with just a few simple ingredients. Mix 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube (or ½ oz simple syrup), and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a glass.
Add a splash of water, stir, and top with ice. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry for a smooth yet bold sip.
2. Manhattan
The ultimate rye whiskey cocktail, the Manhattan is a rich, balanced mix of rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a luxardo cherry. This drink is smooth, slightly sweet, and full of depth—perfect for sipping.
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3. Sazerac
New Orleans’ legendary cocktail is strong, aromatic, and full of history. Rinse a glass with absinthe, then mix 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube, and 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters in another glass.
Stir with ice, strain into the absinthe-coated glass, and garnish with a lemon twist. The absinthe adds a subtle herbal kick, making this cocktail unforgettable.
4. Boulevardier
A rye whiskey twist on the Negroni, the Boulevardier is rich, bitter, and complex. Combine 1.5 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir well and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel. This cocktail has the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, with rye adding an extra punch.
5. Vieux Carré
Named after New Orleans’ French Quarter, this drink is smooth, boozy, and packed with flavor.
Mix ¾ oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz cognac, ¾ oz sweet vermouth, ¼ oz Benedictine, and 2 dashes each of Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters.
Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with a cherry or lemon twist. It’s a rich, layered cocktail perfect for slow sipping.
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6. Toronto
This underrated cocktail combines rye with the bold flavor of Fernet-Branca, an Italian herbal liqueur.
Stir 2 oz rye whiskey, ¼ oz Fernet-Branca, ¼ oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters with ice.
Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with an orange twist. It’s slightly bitter, herbal, and deliciously smooth.
7. Gold Rush
A modern classic, the Gold Rush is a refreshing take on a whiskey sour. Shake 2 oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz honey syrup, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice and enjoy. This cocktail is bright, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to drink.
8. Paper Plane
A perfectly balanced cocktail, the Paper Plane is tangy, herbal, and lightly bitter. Shake ¾ oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, and ¾ oz lemon juice with ice.
Strain into a coupe glass for a vibrant and well-rounded sip.
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9. Ward Eight
This Boston-born cocktail is a citrusy, slightly sweet delight. Shake 2 oz rye whiskey, ½ oz lemon juice, ½ oz orange juice, and ½ oz grenadine with ice.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a cherry. The citrus and grenadine soften the rye’s spice, making it a smooth yet complex cocktail.
10. Monte Carlo
A rye Manhattan with a herbal twist, this drink is both rich and aromatic. Stir 2 oz rye whiskey, ½ oz Benedictine, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters with ice.
Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon peel. The Benedictine adds a honeyed herbal note, giving this drink a unique depth.
11. New York Sour
A stunning cocktail with a bold flavor and a gorgeous red wine float. Shake 2 oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice, then slowly pour ½ oz red wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. The result? A perfect balance of rye spice, citrus tang, and rich wine depth.
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12. Whiskey Smash
A refreshing, citrusy cocktail with a minty kick. Muddle 4-5 mint leaves and half a lemon (cut into wedges) in a shaker.
Add 2 oz rye whiskey and ¾ oz simple syrup, then shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with more mint. It’s a cool, crisp, and flavorful drink that’s perfect for warm weather.
13. Scofflaw
A Prohibition-era classic that’s zesty, herbal, and slightly sweet. Shake 1½ oz rye whiskey, 1 oz dry vermouth, ½ oz lemon juice, ½ oz grenadine, and 2 dashes orange bitters with ice.
Strain into a coupe glass and enjoy. The balance of tart citrus, rye spice, and smooth grenadine makes this cocktail a hidden gem.
14. Brooklyn
A bolder, more complex cousin to the Manhattan. Stir 2 oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz dry vermouth, ¼ oz maraschino liqueur, and ¼ oz Amer Picon or Amaro with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry or lemon twist. The result is dry, slightly bitter, and packed with layered flavors.
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15. Boulevardier (Rye Variation)
A rye-based twist on the classic Boulevardier is spicier and more intense than the bourbon version.
Stir 1.5 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with an orange twist. The extra spice and bite of the rye make this version bold and sophisticated.
16. Rye Highball
Simple, refreshing, and easy to drink. Fill a tall glass with ice, add 2 oz rye whiskey, and top with club soda or ginger ale.
Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge for a light, fizzy cocktail. The bubbles enhance the rye’s spice, making it a perfect everyday drink.
17. Red Hook
A modern spin on the Manhattan, adding cherry and bitter notes. Stir 2 oz rye whiskey, ½ oz Punt e Mes (or sweet vermouth), and ½ oz maraschino liqueur with ice.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a cherry. It’s slightly bitter, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced.
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18. Old Pal
A dry, bracing take on the Boulevardier. Stir 1 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz dry vermouth, and 1 oz Campari with ice. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
The rye’s spice and Campari’s bitterness make this a bold, no-nonsense cocktail.
19. Rattlesnake
A rye-based sour with a foamy egg white top. Shake 2 oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, 1 egg white, and 2 dashes absinthe without ice (dry shake). Add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
It’s rich, smooth, and slightly herbal, making it a standout whiskey sour variation.
20. Algonquin
A tropical twist on a whiskey cocktail, named after the famous New York hotel. Shake 1½ oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz dry vermouth, and ¾ oz pineapple juice with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
The pineapple juice adds a bright, slightly sweet contrast to the rye’s spice, making this drink unexpectedly smooth and delicious.
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21. Remember the Maine
A complex, cherry-tinged cocktail with an absinthe twist. Stir 2 oz rye whiskey, ¾ oz sweet vermouth, ½ oz cherry liqueur, and ¼ oz absinthe with ice.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a cherry. The layers of spice, sweetness, and herbal notes make this a must-try.
22. Horse’s Neck
A simple but striking cocktail, featuring rye and ginger ale with a dramatic garnish. Fill a highball glass with ice, add 2 oz rye whiskey, and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a long, spiraled lemon peel draped over the side of the glass.
It’s effortless, refreshing, and packed with bold spice.
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