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Rye whiskey is full bodied and spicy: perfect for cocktails of all kinds! Here’s more about it and some of the top drinks with this liquor.
It’s spicy, it’s peppery and it might grow a little hair on your chest: it’s rye whiskey! This variety of whiskey is popular for drinking straight up and including in cocktails. In fact, some of the most famous classic drinks are made with rye: think Manhattan and Sazerac. What exactly is this special type of liquor, and why use it in your drinks? We’ve got a quick look at what it is, some brands we love, and the top rye whiskey cocktails to use it. Keep reading!
What is rye whiskey?
Rye whiskey is a type of whiskey made with a majority of the grain rye. This term refers to either American rye whiskey, made of at least 51% rye mash, or Canadian whisky, which may or may not contain rye. Canadian regulations don’t require it to contain rye, though historically it did. Rye is known for its strong, spicy flavor.
Whiskey is a family of distilled liquor made by fermenting grain mash: wheat, rye, barley or corn. It’s then aged in wooden barrels, usually made of oak. There are many types of whiskey based on country and style of production, like rye, bourbon, Scotch, Canadian whisky, Japanese whisky, and Irish whiskey.
What does rye whiskey taste like?
Rye whiskey is full bodied and spicy, with a peppery finish. It’s much dryer than the flavor of bourbon, which is sweeter (and made of at least 51% corn).
How much alcohol is in rye whiskey? It ranges from 40% to 60% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on the brand.
Why we like it
Rye whiskey is full bodied with a spicy finish. It’s great for whiskey lovers, but there are even some for whiskey beginners. Try the Ward 8, Whiskey Sour or Whiskey Ginger to make rye more palatable. If you love the spicy bite of rye, then go for a boozy cocktail like the Manhattan or Sazerac.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, rye whiskey is mid-priced. Quality and pricing varies. You can buy a mid-priced 750 ml bottle for $25 to $35. But the high end can go up to $700 plus.
What are some good brands of rye whiskey? We recommend Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, and High West. Crown Royal is Canadian Rye Whisky.
Most popular rye whiskey cocktails
You can drink it straight up, but there are lots of popular rye whiskey cocktails. Here are the top picks, or head to Top 10 Rye Whiskey Cocktails.
The most famous rye whiskey cocktail of all? The Manhattan. This 3 ingredient drink delivers on flavor: hints of pepper and spice come from the rye whiskey, sweet tanginess from the vermouth, and herby nuance from the bitters. The Manhattan dates all the way back to the 1870’s.
Here’s a boozy classic rye whiskey cocktail that’s one of the greats: the Sazerac! This one’s got a surprise element: absinthe gives a black licorice finish to each sip! The Sazerac was invented in New Orleans in the mid-1800’s, and today it's the official drink of the city.
Here’s a classic rye whiskey cocktail that flies under the radar: the Ward 8! Invented in 1898 in Boston, this riff on the whiskey sour needs reviving. Where the whiskey sour can be on the sweet side, the Ward 8 is perfectly balanced and tart. It features rye whiskey, orange juice and grenadine for sweetness and color, making for a deliciously intriguing drink.
A fancy spin on the Old Fashioned, the Toronto is a 1920's cocktail featuring rye whiskey and Fernet-Branca! It's alcohol-forward, with a sophisticated, complex, and rich flavor. It balances the earthiness of the rye whiskey with the subtle bitterness of the Fernet-Branca.
Manhattan (& More Rye Whiskey Cocktails)
Here are the secrets to the best Manhattan cocktail recipe! This easy classic cocktail is made with just three ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) rye whiskey
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sweet red vermouth
- 3 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
- Garnish: Luxardo cherry or other cocktail cherry
Instructions
- Combine the whiskey, vermouth and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass (or any other type of glass). Fill the mixing glass with 1 handful ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry and serve.
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending:
- Absinthe Guide This formerly banned liquor is now in good graces.
- Aperol Guide and Campari Guide All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Baileys Guide All the ins and outs of Irish Cream.
- Chartreuse Guide This pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Cointreau Guide, Blue Curacao Guide, or Orange Liqueur Guide Citrus liqueurs…broken down.
- Galliano Guide Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Grenadine Guide It’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Fernet Branca Guide Here’s why people love this Italian bitter.
- Kahlua Guide Learn about this popular Mexican coffee liqueur
