Every March 27, whiskey lovers worldwide unite to celebrate International Whiskey Day—a time to honour the spirit that’s been delighting palates for centuries. Whether you’re a whiskey lover or just looking for an exciting new cocktail, this day is a perfect excuse to pour yourself something special.
From fiery blends to tropical twists, we’ve curated a list of bold and flavourful whiskey cocktails by expert mixologists that will elevate your Whiskey Day celebrations.
Fire In A Bowl
For those who love bold, smoky flavours with a spicy kick, Fire in a Bowl is perfect for you. It offers an intense combination of cinnamon whiskey, brandy, and honey.
Try the recipe by Cedrik Rodrigues, Beverages Manager at Hitchki.
Ingredients:
30 ml Cinnamon Whiskey
30 ml Brandy
5 ml Honey
100 g Ice
Method:
Add cinnamon whiskey, brandy, and honey to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir well for at least 90 seconds to chill and blend the flavours.
Smoke the base of a half-cut martini glass and pour the drink into it.
Garnish with dehydrated orange slice.
Old School Cocktail
This cocktail gives you a tangy, spicy twist with a blend of whiskey, guava juice, and a hint of chilli heat.
Try the recipe by Chef Saurabh Tyagi at Poee & Co.
Ingredients:
60 ml Whiskey
45 ml Guava juice
10 ml Lime juice
10 ml Honey syrup
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 small Bird’s eye chilli or jalapeno
1 pinch Black salt
Ice cubes
Method:
In a mixing glass, gently muddle the chilli with honey syrup to release heat. (For extra smokiness, lightly burn the chilli before muddling.)
Add whiskey, guava juice, lime juice, black salt, and bitters. Stir well.
Add ice cubes and stir for 20–30 seconds. Double strain into a rock glass over a large square ice cube.
Garnish with a thin guava slice or dehydrated lime wheel.
Coconut & Whiskey (Cocofashioned)
A refreshing tropical twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail combines whiskey with coconut water and citrus notes.
Try the recipe by Harish Chhimwal, Head Mixologist at Olive Group & The Grammar Room.
Ingredients:
45 ml Scotch Whiskey
45 ml Coconut water
2 dashes Lemon bitter
1 barspoon Honey
1 Kaffir lime leaf
Method:
Combine whiskey, coconut water, lemon bitter, and honey in a mixing glass.
Stir well to mix and chill.
Strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice.
Garnish with Kaffir lime leaf.
Paan Banaras Wala
A uniquely Indian-inspired whiskey cocktail, Paan Banaras Wala is packed with aromatic flavours of paan, cloves, and pineapple.
Try the recipe by Cedrik Rodrigues, Beverages Manager at Hitchki.
Ingredients:
60 ml Whiskey
2 fresh Paan leaves
1 clove
10 g Gulkand
30 ml Pineapple juice
10 ml Sugar syrup
1 dash of Homemade Angostura bitters
100 g Ice
Method:
Muddle and shake all ingredients over ice.
Fine strain into a chilled Coupe glass.
Garnish with a half-cut paan leaf.
Daaru Desi
Daaru Desi is a fruity, bittersweet blend that pairs whiskey with apricot and lime for a bright, tangy finish.
Mitali Vyas
Try the recipe by Cedrik Rodrigues, Beverages Manager at Hitchki.
Ingredients:
45 ml Whiskey
10 ml Sugar Syrup
15 ml Lime Juice
2 tablespoons Apricot Puree
3 dashes Bitters
100 g Ice
Method:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain and serve in your favourite glass.
Garnish with a lime or dehydrated Apricot.
This Whiskey Day, let these flavour-packed cocktails add excitement to your celebrations. So, raise a glass, savour the flavours, and toast to the timeless charm of whiskey! Cheers!
