Things You'll Need:
- Jigger
- Rocks glass
- Ice
- Stir stick
- Whiskey of choice
- Mixer of choice
- Garnish
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Step 1
Get the right tools. You'll need a jigger; this is a small graduated metal cup that measures out a shot, so you'll always be able to add just the right amount of whiskey. Most whiskey cocktails are served in short tumblers known as rocks glasses, so have a set of these on hand along with stir sticks for mixing.
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Step 2
Go easy on the ice. This will water down the cocktail as the ice melts and dilute the taste, so add ice in moderation. When using a standard rocks glass, five ice cubes are usually enough to chill the cocktail without watering it down.
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Step 3
Stir whiskey cocktails to blend the whiskey with the mixers and keep it from settling on the bottom. Use a stir stick or even a teaspoon; make sure you stir all the way down to the bottom of the glass so the cocktail is well blended.
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Step 4
Keep it in the right spot. Whiskey doesn't need to be chilled before using it to make cocktails like vodka and some other alcohols do. Putting whiskey in the freezer can actually change the taste, so chill your whiskey out on ice and store it on the bar shelf otherwise.
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Step 5
Garnish most whiskey cocktails with a lime or lemon wedge for the perfect finishing touch. Cut these right before serving your cocktails so they don't brown or dry out. The sharp citrus flavor is a great contrast to the flavor of whiskey. Just squeeze the wedge over the top of the cocktail after you blend it.
