Rye whiskey is making a comeback in the spirits world. Once overshadowed by bourbon, rye is gaining popularity for its spicy, robust flavor profile. Rye can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or used as the base spirit for classic cocktails. But what should you drink with rye whiskey? Here’s a look at some of the best pairings and cocktails to try with this classic American whiskey.
What is rye whiskey?
Rye whiskey is made primarily from rye grain, rather than corn like bourbon. Rye grain gives the whiskey a distinctive spice and herbaceous flavor. By law, rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye grain in the mash bill. The remaining grains are usually corn and malted barley.
Rye whiskey was once the most popular whiskey in America before prohibition. After prohibition ended, bourbon surged in popularity and rye faded into the background. But in recent years, rye has made a comeback, with distilleries releasing new rye expressions and bartenders using it in creative craft cocktails.
Traditionally, rye imparts spicy, peppery, and herbaceous notes, along with fruit flavors like cherry, apple, or citrus. The rye spice gives it a bold, assertive character compared to the sweetness of bourbon.
Enjoying rye whiskey neat or on the rocks
One of the simplest ways to enjoy rye whiskey is sipping it neat or on the rocks. When served at room temperature neat, the pure, unadulterated flavors of the rye can be appreciated. Serving rye over ice helps open up the flavors and aromas as it dilutes slightly. Be sure to use a quality, large ice cube or sphere.
When sipping rye whiskey, take time to admire its aroma and taste. Look for fragrances like fresh cut grass, baking spices, pine, menthol and vanilla. On the palate, rye can taste spicy, earthy, fruity and herbal. Quality rye whiskeys will be smooth and complex, with a long, warm finish.
Sipping rye neat allows you to fully savor the spirit’s bold flavors and character. No mixer required!
Classic rye cocktails
While excellent neat or on the rocks, rye truly shines when used as the base for classic whiskey cocktails. Many vintage cocktails were originally made with rye before fading from popularity during the bourbon craze. Thankfully, bartenders are revisiting these rye-based drinks and breathing new life into them!
Here are some classic cocktails that showcase rye beautifully:
Manhattan: A Manhattan is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Often garnished with a Luxardo cherry, the Manhattan highlights rye’s spiciness balanced by vermouth’s sweetness.
Old Fashioned: The Old Fashioned was traditionally made with rye whiskey rather than bourbon. Rye stands up to the sugar cube and bitters, creating a strong, spirit-forward Old Fashioned.
Sazerac: Hailing from New Orleans, the Sazerac combines rye with Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe, and a sugar cube. The anise flavors play off the spice of the rye.
Brooklyn: A riff on the Manhattan made with dry vermouth and Maraschino liqueur, the Brooklyn lets the rye shine through.
Boulevardier: The Boulevardier switches out the vermouth for Campari, pairing rye with the bitter Italian liqueur.
Vieux Carré: This New Orleans cocktail includes rye, cognac, vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters for a complex, herbaceous drink.
Cocktails that complement rye
In addition to classic rye-based cocktails, there are many other drinks that pair well with the spicy spirit.
Whiskey Sour: A rye Sour adds a bold, peppery twist. Use fresh lemon juice for puckering tartness to balance the rye.
Mint Julep: While traditionally made with bourbon, rye makes for an amazing Mint Julep, especially in fall or winter. The mint and simple syrup tame spicy rye.
Highball: A crisp, refreshing Highball can be made by pouring rye over ice and topping with ginger ale or soda water. Add a lemon or lime wedge for a simple rye combo.
Bramble: Muddle blackberries with simple syrup, then combine with rye and lemon juice for a flavorful Bramble cocktail.
Toddies: Warming hot toddies are great with rye whiskey. Add hot water, honey, lemon, and spices like cinnamon or star anise.
New York Sour: Shake up rye whiskey with lemon juice and simple syrup, then float red wine on top for an alluring layered cocktail.
The possibilities are endless for creative rye cocktails! Its spice can either take center stage or complement other ingredients.
What to eat with rye whiskey
In terms of food pairings, rye whiskey’s bold flavor can handle rich, fatty and savory dishes. The spice cuts through the richness. Here are some classic pairings for rye whiskey:
- Pork chops – The spicy rye complements the meaty pork.
- Sausage – Whether bratwurst, chorizo or andouille, rye stands up to spicy sausage.
- Aged, hard cheeses – Try pairing rye whiskey with cheese like aged cheddar or Parmesan.
- Barbecue dishes – The smoky char flavors match beautifully with rye.
- Spicy foods – The heat of chilies or curry is fantastic with spicy rye.
- Chocolate – Rye can cut through the richness of dark chocolate desserts.
In general, stick with foods that can match the robust flavors of the rye whiskey. The spiciness pairs best with fatty, rich, and spicy flavors. Avoid more delicate dishes like seafood or light salads. Instead, embrace hearty braised meats, fatty cheeses, spicy cuisines, or sweet and savory barbecue.
Cocktail recipes with rye
Ready to start mixing up some rye cocktails? Here are a few specific recipes to try:
Classic Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Add rye, vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass with ice
- Stir for 30 seconds until chilled
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry
Rye Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist
Instructions:
- Place sugar cube in rocks glass and soak with bitters
- Add large ice cube and rye whiskey
- Stir gently for 30 seconds
- Twist an orange peel over top to garnish
Rye Whiskey Highball
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 4 oz ginger ale
- Orange wedge
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice
- Add rye whiskey
- Top with ginger ale
- Squeeze and drop in orange wedge
Rye Whiskey Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Lemon wedge
- Luxardo cherry
Instructions:
- Shake whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice
- Strain into chilled rocks glass with fresh ice
- Garnish with lemon wedge and cherry
How to choose a rye whiskey
With so many rye whiskeys on the market, how do you select a quality bottle? Here are a few tips:
- Check that it says “straight rye whiskey” on the label, meaning it aged at least 2 years in charred oak barrels.
- Higher ABVs (90 proof or higher) will provide more bold flavor.
- Read reviews or ask bartenders to recommend proven, high-quality brands.
- Higher rye content (100% rye if available) means more spice and zing.
- Trust your taste preferences – opt for spicier vs. sweeter, older vs. younger, etc.
- Consider options finished in unique barrels (sherry, wine, etc.) for added complexity.
Some excellent rye whiskey brands to look for include Rittenhouse, WhistlePig, Bulleit, Michter’s, and Wild Turkey. With some experimentation, you can find a go-to rye for your home bar!
Conclusion
Rye whiskey provides a bold, spicy flavor that makes it delicious sipped neat or on the rocks. But it truly excels as the base of classic whiskey cocktails like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Juleps. The spice of rye pairs perfectly with rich, fatty meat dishes along with spicy cuisines. With the resurgence of this historic American whiskey, it’s prime time to experience the spice and complexity of rye. Stock your bar, mix up some cocktails, and share the experience with friends new to this whiskey renaissance.