How to Drink Whiskey

Whiskey is one of the most popular distilled spirits in the United States, and it comes in many forms. How do you drink whiskey? Is there a proper method? Should you drink it at room temperature or over ice? Is it better straight up, with water, or mixed with soda? There’s no right or wrong answer, but you can see what the experts say below. 

Types of Whiskey

There are 17 different types of whiskey, ranging from bourbon to Tennessee whiskey and even the classic rye. While there’s no one right or wrong way to enjoy these spirits, the experts agree that the proper method has just two steps: pouring and sipping. 

• Pour – The classic rocks glass is the ideal container for your whiskey. Pour two “fingers” (the width of your index and middle fingers) worth of room-temperature liquid into the bottom of the glass. No ice and no water is required. 
• Sip – Skip slamming shots and go for the sip, instead. Many people who claim they don’t enjoy the taste of bourbon aren’t really tasting it. Instead, they’re getting the finishing notes, which often have a strong woody taste, or variances of flavors depending on the barrels in which it was aged. When you sip your whiskey, you can taste the entire flavor profile. It’s far more balanced, and frankly, it’s more enjoyable. 

How to Drink Whiskey Based on Type

While sipping straight whiskey is generally accepted as proper, there are a few other acceptable ways to enjoy your whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. 

Whiskey

If you’re enjoying a nice, expensive whiskey, sip it neat, and cleanse your palate with cool water between each sip. If you prefer your whiskey cold, don’t refrigerate it. Instead, pour your two fingers over a single large piece of ice. For snacks, go with dried fruits, apples, smoked salmon, or slices of smoked gouda. 

Bourbon

Bourbon purists swear that neat is the only way to go, but once again, you’re free to enjoy yours on the rocks. Some bourbon aficionados swear by adding a few drops of water to break up the oil-based flavor profile and “open up” the bourbon. Add one drop at a time until you’ve found the perfect spot. Bourbon pairs especially well with sweet foods, and it can be served alongside pecan pie, chocolate, or even pancakes and maple syrup! 

Scotch

Scotch whiskey comes in single malts and blends, and the way you drink it depends on the type. Most experts recommend adding a few drops of water to a very nice (and usually very expensive) bottle of single malt to bring out flavors that may not otherwise be noticeable. For a real treat, try this: trim a strawberry, cut it in half, and then dip one half into freshly-ground black pepper. Take a sip of scotch, then take a bite of the strawberry. The flavor profiles are perfection! Scotch can also be served with cheese, chocolate, and flavorful pork dishes. 

If you’ve always wanted to know the proper way to drink whiskey, this simple guide should help. You can’t go wrong with sipping your beverage neat, but there are other options, as well. Remember, though: there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy your whiskey as long as you remember to drink responsibly.