18 whisky cocktails

A traditional whisky cocktail with bitters, soda water and a simple orange garnish. Serve this old fashioned cocktail in a tumbler with plenty of ice

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

Irish whiskey is the star of this cocktail, blended with sharp pink grapefruit and sweet honey – a refreshing idea for celebrating St Patrick’s Day

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

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

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

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

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

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, angostura bitters, orange zest and a cocktail cherry to serve

Capture the soothing flavours of a hot toddy – whisky, honey, ginger and lemon – in this bright, vibrant cocktail, garnished with a lemon wedge

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