Cocktails with Rye whiskey
Rye whiskey is American whiskey from a mash of at least 51% rye, aged in new charred oak. It drinks dry and peppery where bourbon is sweet and round.
ABV40%That is the legal minimum; most ryes sit at 40–50%, bottled-in-bond is 50%, and cask-strength ryes run past 60%.
How it's used
Rye is the classic base for stirred, spirit-forward drinks such as the Manhattan and the Vieux Carré. Its dry spice keeps them from turning soft. It shakes well too, in sours.
Substitutes for Rye whiskey
Comes closest, in the same amount: sweeter and softer, without rye’s pepper. A high-rye bourbon keeps more of that spice.
Also works but is lighter and softer still.
On the label
- "Straight"
- Aged at least 2 years in new charred oak, with no added coloring or flavoring. If it’s under 4 years old, the label must state the age.
