Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts for generations. Its rich history dates back to the late 18th century when Abraham Overholt began distilling rye whiskey in Pennsylvania. Today, Old Overholt is proudly owned by Beam Suntory who owns other popular bourbon brands such as Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, and Baker’s among others. With its storied past and commitment to quality, Old Overholt remains a beloved choice for crafting exceptional cocktails. For a deeper dive into the history of Old Overholt, check out “The True Story of Old Overholt Rye“.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 recommendations for cocktails using Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, providing you with detailed recipes, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.
1. Classic Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
- Orange peel twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel.
- Serve and enjoy!
2. Old Overholt Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lemon wheel (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice or specialty cocktail glass (as pictured)
- Garnish with a lemon wheel (optional)
- Sip and savor the zesty goodness!
3. Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Angostura bitters and a splash of water.
- Muddle the sugar cube to dissolve it.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange peel twist.
- Sip and savor this timeless classic.
4. Old Overholt Hot Cider
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 6 oz hot apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise (optional)
- Orange peel twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a heatproof mug or glass, pour the hot apple cider.
- Add Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky and stir to combine.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and, if desired, a star anise.
- Express the oils from an orange peel twist over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a gentle squeeze, then drop it in.
- Sip and savor the warm, cozy flavors of this Old Overholt Hot Cider!
5. Boulevardier
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange peel twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel twist.
- Sip and enjoy the bittersweet harmony!
6. Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a julep cup or rocks glass, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves and simple syrup.
- Fill the cup with crushed ice.
- Pour Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
- Sip and savor the refreshing, minty goodness!
7. Ginger Highball
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky over the ice.
- Top off with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Sip and relish the zingy combination of whiskey and ginger!
8. Spiced Apple Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 3/4 oz spiced apple syrup (recipe below)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Apple slice (for garnish)
- Ice
Spiced Apple Syrup:
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 cloves
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine apple juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
- Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Strain the syrup to remove solids.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, spiced apple syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice.
- Sip and savor the delightful blend of spiced apple and whiskey!
9. Cherry Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 4-6 fresh cherries (pitted)
- Cherry and lemon twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh cherries.
- Add Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon.
- Sip and enjoy this fruity delight!
- Old Overholt Cinnamon Toast
10. Cinnamon Toast
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky
- 1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps
- 1/2 oz Irish cream liqueur
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, cinnamon schnapps, and Irish cream liqueur over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
- Sip and relish the warm, comforting flavors!
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whisky, with its rich history and exceptional quality, offers endless possibilities for crafting delicious cocktails. From the classic Manhattan to the innovative Spiced Apple Sour, there’s a drink to suit every palate and occasion. So, next time you reach for your favorite bottle of Old Overholt, try one of these recipes and elevate your cocktail game. Cheers to the enduring legacy of Old Overholt and the delightful cocktails it inspires!
Remember, always enjoy your cocktails responsibly and in moderation.
