Cocktails with Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is a spicier, more assertive American whiskey made primarily from rye grain. Essential for Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and other classic cocktails.
No Rye Whiskey? What to use instead
- Type
- Spirit
- Strength
- 40–50% ABV
- Aroma
- Spice, Pepper, Caraway, Citrus, Oak
- Taste
- Spicy, Peppery, Dried fruit, Herbal, Oak
- Finish
- Dry, Spicy, Long, Warming
27 drinks with Rye Whiskey
- AlgonquinDry Vermouth, Pineapple Juice
- BensonhurstDry Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur, Cynar
- Black ManhattanAverna, Angostura Bitters
- BlinkerGrapefruit Juice, Raspberry Syrup
- BrooklynDry Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur, Amer Picon
- Cobble HillDry Vermouth, Amaro Montenegro, Cucumber
- Devil's SoulMezcal, Averna, Aperol
- DiamondbackApple Brandy, Yellow Chartreuse
- Final WardGreen Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon Juice
- GreenpointYellow Chartreuse, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters
- HunterCherry Heering
- La LouisianeSweet Vermouth, Bénédictine, Absinthe
- Little ItalySweet Vermouth, Cynar
- Long Look BackJapanese Whisky, Braulio, Demerara Syrup
- ManhattanSweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters
- Manhattan TransferDry Vermouth, Ramazzotti, Orange Bitters
- Monte CarloBénédictine, Angostura Bitters
- Old PalCampari, Dry Vermouth
- Pumpkin Spice Old FashionedBourbon, Pumpkin Spice Syrup, Orange Bitters
- Red HookPunt e Mes, Maraschino Liqueur
- Remember the MaineSweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering, Absinthe
- ScofflawDry Vermouth, Lemon Juice, Grenadine
- SlopePunt e Mes, Apricot Brandy, Angostura Bitters
- TorontoFernet-Branca, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters
- Trinidad SourAngostura Bitters, Orgeat, Lemon Juice
- Vieux CarréCognac, Sweet Vermouth, Bénédictine
- Ward EightLemon Juice, Orange Juice, Grenadine
History
Rye whiskey was America's first whiskey, produced by early settlers in Pennsylvania and Maryland. It declined during Prohibition but has experienced a major revival since the 2000s. Canadian 'rye' whisky is a different style and doesn't require actual rye content.
How it’s made
American rye must be made from at least 51% rye grain, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels. The high rye content produces a spicier, more robust flavor compared to bourbon. Most ryes spend 2-4 years in barrel.
Bottles to try
Rittenhouse RyeBudget
Classic Pennsylvania-style rye at bottled-in-bond strength, rich and spicy. Bartender favorite.
Bulleit RyeMid-range
High-rye mashbill creates a bold, spicy character. Widely available and versatile.
Sazerac RyeMid-range
The original rye whiskey brand, smooth with classic spice notes. Named for the famous cocktail.
Old OverholtBudget
America's oldest rye brand, spicy and straightforward.
Rittenhouse RyeMid-range
Bottled-in-bond, rich and spicy, bartender's go-to.
WhistlePig 10 YearPremium
Vermont rye, complex with caramel and spice, craft premium.
Got Rye Whiskey at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.