20 whisky cocktails

Dust off that cocktail shaker and mix yourself – or your dinner party guests – a classic whiskey sour. You can make it without egg white, but it won't be as silky

Add a twist to an old fashioned and use elderflower cordial in place of the usual orange. It’s a sophisticated cocktail to add to a dinner party

This classic bourbon cocktail takes a festive turn with a splash of orange juice and edible gold glitter - perfect for Christmas parties

Enjoy this night-cap cocktail to round off your evening. Made with stout, whisky and orange liqueur, it's smooth and rich – ideal for cooler evenings

Whisky cocktails don’t come much more refreshing than a mint julep. Serve over mounds of crushed ice and top with freshly picked garden mint

Get a kick of coffee and subtle hint of honey sweetness in this simple whisky cocktail made with punchy bitters

Warm up with a hot toddy. The combination of whisky, honey, lemon, cinnamon and cloves really packs a punch and is great for entertaining in winter

Indulge in a classic sazerac cocktail, with whiskey, absinthe, bitters and an orange garnish. Try on the rocks if you’d prefer

Make use of earthy poitín – an Irish spirit – it works particularly well with the spiciness of American rye whiskey and the herbal chartreuse. A lovely pre-dinner tipple

Serve this zingy cocktail, with crème de cacao and grenadine, with a twist of pared orange zest for a stylish party drink

If you're a whiskey lover, you'll love this sweet manhattan, made with whiskey, vermouth and bitters. Serve with a maraschino cherry and a twist of lemon

Mix whiskey, cognac and absinthe with bitters to make this chic cocktail, adapted from Cecil Beaton’s Cocktail Book, produced by the National Portrait Gallery in collaboration with Claridge’s

Showcase scotch whisky in this vibrant cocktail, with red vermouth, bitters, orange zest and a cocktail cherry to serve

Take your time savouring this simple yet sophisticated whisky and amaretto cocktail after a rich meal. Serve with plenty of ice and a spiral of orange peel

Dig out the whisky to make one of the easiest cocktails, the rusty nail. It's perfect for informal parties and friends dropping by last-minute

Make the most of clementines at Christmas and make this warming mulled whisky. It's perfect for winter nights when you come in from the cold

Give the classic whiskey sour a festive spin using cranberry juice. Garnish with frozen cranberries, if you have them, for an extra-Christmassy touch

Welcome in the weekend with a simple cocktail using the spiky heat of ginger wine paired with scotch. Serve on the rocks

Blend together bourbon, elderflower liqueur and ginger ale to make this vibrant summer cocktail. Garnish with crystallised ginger and mint sprigs to serve