Spirits
Whiskey
- Spirit
- 45% ABV
- 3 drinks
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You enjoy rich, complex spirits with oak, vanilla or smoky character.
- ✓There are 3 drinks on WhatDrink using this.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer light, neutral or sweet spirits.
At a Glance
Ingredient nutrition is approximate and varies by brand, recipe and preparation.
On this page
What is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a grain-based distilled spirit used in Old Fashioned-style drinks, Manhattans, sours, highballs and stirred classics. It adds alcohol structure, oak, grain, spice and warmth, with the exact flavour depending on the whiskey style.
What does Whiskey taste like?
Oak, grain, vanilla, caramel and spice, ranging from soft and round to dry, smoky or peppery depending on style. Whiskey pairs well with citrus, bitters, sugar, vermouth, ginger, apple, honey and cherry flavours.
Whiskey profile
Best used for: old fashioneds, whiskey sours, manhattans, sours
- High-strength spirit (45% ABV)
Oak, grain, vanilla, caramel and spice, ranging from soft and round to dry, smoky or peppery depending on style. Whiskey pairs well with citrus, bitters, sugar, vermouth, ginger, apple, honey and cherry flavours.
Ways to use whiskey
Alternatives to try
Similar options
Popular drinks with Whiskey
Nutrition per measure
Approx. values for per 30ml / 1 oz.
- Calories
- 75
- Sugar
- 0g
- Carbs
- 0g
Per 100ml — 250 kcal · 0g sugar · 0g carbs
Ingredient nutrition is approximate and varies by brand, recipe and preparation.
Drink counts and recipe data are based on published WhatDrink recipes. Figures may vary as new recipes are added.
Whiskey — common questions
- How many cocktails are made with Whiskey?
- There are 3 cocktail recipes featuring Whiskey in the WhatDrink database.
- What are the most popular cocktails made with Whiskey?
- Top-ranked cocktails made with Whiskey include Damned if you do, Hot Toddy. Rankings are based on recipe quality and data completeness.
- What is the ABV of Whiskey?
- Whiskey has an ABV of approximately 45%. The exact strength varies by brand and expression.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Intensity (light to bold), Sweetness (dry to sweet), Mixability (how versatile it is in cocktails) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare Whiskey with similar ingredients at a glance.
- How do I use the Whiskey sensory profile to find drinks I like?
- If you enjoy the intensity and flavour profile of Whiskey, look for other ingredients or cocktails with a similar profile. Compare Intensity, Sweetness and Mixability to find substitutes or discover new cocktails in the same flavour family.