18 Best Whisky Mixers to Try
Whisky is a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with another drink for a personalised experience.
With its rich flavours and a variety of whisky types to try, each one offers unique characteristics best suited to different mixers.
Finding out which drink pairs best with which whisky can be challenging, especially for a newcomer to the community. While this includes some trial and error to find out what mixer works best for you, some key pairings are renowned for their exquisite taste.
Today, the Whisky Tasting Company will list the 18 best whisky mixers to try; each one is bound to uplift your tasting experience.
1. Ginger Ale: A Classic Companion
Ginger ale is a popular choice for whisky mixing due to its light spiciness and subtle ginger taste.
This pairs beautifully with whisky, highlighting all of its complex notes, especially when mixed with bourbon or blended whisky. The caramel and vanilla undertones of bourbon with ginger ale's effervescence create a refreshing drink.
Serving suggestion: Pour over ice, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy a refreshing highball.
2. Soda Water: The Purist's Choice
If you prefer a clean, neutral base, then soda water is the perfect choice for you.
The sparkling effect of soda water adds an extra layer to the whisky, opening up each complex aroma. A smoky Islay Scotch, single malt, or high-quality Japanese whisky is best paired with soda water, highlighting the smoky, peaty, and fruity hints.
Serving suggestion: Mix equal parts whisky and soda water over ice for a refreshing drink.
3. Coffee: An Invigorating Blend
If you’re a coffee lover, then why not pair it with your other favourite beverage?
Whether served hot or iced, coffee and whisky are a perfect match. Coffee's bitterness pairs well with a sweet and spicy whisky, such as Jameson or Bushmills Irish whisky. Whisky's light and sweet profile complements the rich flavour of coffee beans.
For a touch of caramel or vanilla, pair bourbon instead.
Serving suggestion: Mix hot coffee, whisky, and sugar, and top with lightly whipped cream.
4. Lemonade: A Summery Delight
What better way to kick back and relax in the sun than with a whisky and lemonade in hand?
This refreshing and citrusy concoction balances the natural sweetness and depth of whisky with the light and tangy taste of lemonade. When paired with Irish whisky, you can expect a fruity delight.
Pair it with bourbon for a touch of caramel and vanilla and a mix of tart and oaky notes.
Serving suggestion: Serve over ice with a slice of lemon for a revitalising drink.
5. Cola: A Timeless Pairing
Coca-Cola is a classic mixer for whisky. Its sweet and fizzy notes work well with the whisky's rich and smoky profile.
Jack Daniels and blended Scotch are two perfect choices. This creates a smooth and light drink, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed approach to whisky. Plus, the bubbles add a refreshing touch.
Serving suggestion: Serve over ice with a lime wedge for a classic whisky and cola.
6. Vermouth: For a Sophisticated Twist
If you have a more refined palette, then vermouth is the best choice for you.
This mixer works well with rye whisky or bourbon, balancing out the spicy and herbal notes for a well-rounded drink. Vermouth adds a layer of complexity, adding a dash of fruity floral hints. This is also a great choice for cocktail-making.
Serving suggestion: Combine whisky, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters; stir over ice and strain into a chilled glass.
7. Apple Cider: Autumn in a Glass
Simulate the feeling of biting into a fresh apple with this apple cider and whisky mix.
Apple cider brings a crisp and fruity taste, pairing well with the caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon or the honeyed profile of Irish whisky. This is the perfect drink for a cosy, autumnal day and can be served hot or cold.
For a smoky twist, opt for peated Scottish whisky.
Serving suggestion: Warm the cider and add whisky and a cinnamon stick for a cosy treat.
8. Orange Juice: A Citrusy Lift
Combine the zesty and acidic taste of orange juice with a light and fruity whisky, such as blended scotch.
The orange flavour adds to the sweet and fruity notes, creating an invigorating tasting experience. Its subtle bitterness highlights the whisky's caramel and honey aromas.
For a bolder drink, pair orange juice with a single Scotch malt with hints of toffee and vanilla.
Serving suggestion: Mix whisky with fresh orange juice and a splash of soda.
9. Coconut Water: An Exotic Touch
Coconut water softens the warmth of whisky and adds a touch of natural sweetness, giving it a light, tropical edge.
This goes well with flowery whiskies like Japanese whisky or Speyside Scotch. The delicate, nuanced flavours accentuate the subtle sweetness and nuttiness of coconut water, creating a smooth drink.
If you enjoy a more robust profile, a highland Scotch with hints of fruit and honey can enhance the coconut's tropical character.
Serving suggestion: Serve over ice with a splash of coconut water and a mint sprig.
10. Cranberry Juice: A Festive Flair
With the festive season approaching, it’s time to crack out the cranberry juice and pair it with your favourite whisky.
We suggest mixing it with fruity bourbons or light-blended scotches, as the sweet and vanilla flavours pair well with the tartness of cranberry. This can be enjoyed alone or used as a cocktail base, perfect for those who dislike strong-tasting whisky.
Plus, its bright red appearance and crisp acidity make it the perfect Christmas party drink!
Serving suggestion: Combine whisky, cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lime over ice.
11. Pineapple Juice: Tropical Vibes
This one is for all the lovers of fruity, alcoholic drinks.
The sweet and tangy taste of pineapple adds a summer twist, blending well with a smoky Scotch or a sweeter Irish whisky. Plus, the tropical taste brings out any hidden fruity and honey notes in the whisky, creating a laidback drinking experience.
Serving suggestion: Combine whisky, pineapple juice, and a dash of bitters over ice.
12. Amaro: An Herbal Infusion
Are you a bold and spicy whisky enthusiast? If so, this one’s just for you.
This Italian herbal liquor is celebrated for its complex and bittersweet profile. It pairs well with bold, spicy whiskies, such as rye or smoky scotch. Amaro brings out spice, caramel, and earthy notes for a rich and sophisticated beverage.
Serving suggestion: Mix whisky with amaro and a dash of bitters for a complex, layered drink.
13. Tea: A Soothing Blend
Similar to coffee, tea is a unique way to enjoy your whisky.
Whisky and tea are both steeped in rich flavours, and they work exceptionally well together. For a strong taste, you could pair a smoky scotch or spiced bourbon with black tea or a light and floral Japanese whisky with green or white tea.
Serving suggestion: Try an iced tea with honey and lemon or a hot toddy-style drink.
14. Bitters: The Bartender's Secret
A whisky drink can be completely changed with just a few dashes of bitters, which balance sweetness, give depth, and bring out underlying flavours.
With notes of citrus and spice, this pairs well with bourbon, rye, or blended scotch. Bitters bring out the nuanced flavours of whisky, such as the smokey notes of Scotch, the vanilla of bourbon, or the spice of rye.
Serving suggestion: Muddle sugar with bitters, add whisky and ice, and stir gently.
15. Olive Brine: For the Adventurous Palate
Are you ready to take your whisky-drinking experience to new heights?
Olive brine is the perfect mixer for smoky and peaty whiskies. When combined with Islay Scotch, brine enhances the earthy and smoky notes for a complex drink. For a more rounded drink, opt for olive brine and Bourbon.
Serving suggestion: Try a dirty whisky martini with a splash of olive brine and a green olive garnish.
16. Ginger Beer: A Spicy Kick
Kickstart your tastebuds to life by combining the zingy edge of ginger beer with a spicy rye.
Rye and ginger complement each other beautifully, creating a bold and layered drink. This works well when creating highball cocktails. If a smooth and warm whisky is more your style, add a touch of ginger beer to bourbon; the caramel, vanilla, or smoky notes add depth.
Serving suggestion: Mix whisky with ginger beer over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
17. Club Soda: Light and Effervescent
The subtle carbonation of club soda brings out the whisky’s complex aromas. This enhances flavours like vanilla, honey, or smoke without overwhelming them.
Irish whisky and blended scotch are ideal for a light and easy drink. The fizz adds a refreshing element, while the warmth of the whisky balances out the soda's neutral taste. For a more robust drink, try a rye whisky or a peated scotch.
Serving suggestion: Serve whisky and club soda over ice with a lemon twist.
18. Tomato Juice: A Savoury Option
Last but not least is tomato juice.
This acidic and savoury mixer creates a drink that’s rich in umami, perfect for brunch cocktails like Bloody Mary. Tomato juice pairs well with a smokey Scotch or a strong, spicy rye whisky.
Rye's spiciness enhances tomato juice’s tanginess, while an Islay Scotch adds a rich, earthy layer.
Serving suggestion: Combine whisky, tomato juice, a dash of hot sauce, and garnish with a celery stick.
Discover New Pairings With Our Whisky Tasting Sets
Whether you’re a renowned whisky lover or just starting your journey, we offer a wide selection of whisky-tasting kits to expand your palette.
Test out more flavours and variations today, including old and rare Scotch whiskies or classic whisky sets. These are ideal for a loved one or treating yourself to a memorable experience.