Get ready for World Whisky Day with these cocktails

The event, which takes place across the globe from Nashville to Newcastle, is the ideal opportunity for operators to boost their presence of their whisky offer.

More customers are looking for alternative ways to enjoy whisky, Colin Dunn, whisky brand ambassador at Diageo, claimed.

Cocktails could also help turn more customers to the spirit category, which is often overlooked by customers who may consider it an old man’s drink or as something they just don’t like.

He said: “World Whisky Day offers the perfect opportunity for licensees to put whisky serves on the menu and take advantage of the spirit’s raised profile to increase profits.

“There has never been a better time to rally behind whisky and get inspired to serve fantastic whisky cocktails.”

Read on to see a selection of cocktails created by Diageo for the big day tomorrow.

Whisky & Ginger

Whisky & Ginger​

Ingredients:

• 50ml Haig Club
• 150ml ginger ale
• cucumber slice to garnish

See our exclusive video here for the method.​
2 UK units

Whisky & Coconut Water​

Ingredients:

• 150ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 150ml coconut water

Method:
Add all the ingredients to a tall glass full with ice, stir to mix, garnish with a slice of shaved coconut and serve.
Not as traditional as a whisky and ginger ale or lemonade but just as simple, tasty and refreshing, the sweetness of the coconut water serves as the perfect complement to the intensity of the Johnnie Walker Black.
2.2 UK Units

Johnnie Walker Black Label & Soda

Johnnie Walker Black Label & Soda​

Ingredients:

• 50ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 200ml soda

Method:
Johnnie Walker Black Label served with soda for a smoky, rich drink with a slightly dry finish. Into a highball glass, pour Johnnie Walker Black Label and fill the glass three-quarters of the way with ice. Top up with soda.
2.2 UK Units

Old Fashioned​

Ingredients:

• 50ml Bulleit Bourbon
• 15ml sugar syrup
• two dashes of bitters

Method:
Add all the ingredients to an Old Fashioned whisky glass filled with ice and stir patiently to mix, chill and dilute. Add more ice, garnish with a large slice of orange zest and serve.
The grandfather of whisky cocktails, the Old Fashioned showcases the flavour of the whisky used as its base but softens the intensity via dilution, makes it more approachable via sweetening and adds complementary flavours and aromatics via the addition of bitters and orange peel.
2.2 UK Units

Boulevardier

Boulevardier​

Ingredients:

• 25ml Bulleit Bourbon
• 25ml sweet red vermouth
• 25ml Campari
• orange slice for garnish

Method:
Add all the ingredients to an Old Fashioned glass full with ice and stir patiently to mix, chill and dilute, add more ice to fill the glass, garnish with a slice of orange and serve.
Cousin of the hip and trendy Negroni, the Boulevardier substitutes the Negroni’s gin for bourbon.
This change creates a significantly different flavour profile that maintains the bittersweet balance of Campari and Vermouth but adds a unique richness and complexity.
2.1 UK units (based on Campari at 25% ABV and Vermouth at 15% ABV)