Ever wondered if your favorite whiskey deserves a partner beyond a simple ice cube? For many, the thought of adding anything to a good whiskey feels almost sacrilegious. But what if the right mixer could actually elevate your dram, unlocking new layers of flavor and making it even more enjoyable? The truth is, choosing the perfect mixer for whiskey can be a surprisingly tricky adventure. You might end up with something that overpowers your spirit, or worse, something that just doesn’t taste good at all.
This is where we come in. Forget the guesswork and the disappointing sips. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great whiskey mixer. We’ll dive into popular choices, explore how different mixers interact with various whiskey types, and even give you tips for creating your own delicious concoctions. Get ready to transform your whiskey experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Our Top 5 Mixer For Whiskey Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mixer For Whiskey Detailed Reviews
1. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 9.0/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is a convenient way to make delicious Old Fashioned cocktails at home. This handcrafted syrup is made with organic ingredients and a special blend of spices and bitters. It promises to help you create a well-balanced and smooth drink every time. Just add your favorite whiskey or bourbon, and you’re ready to enjoy a craft cocktail.
What We Like:
- It makes making a perfect Old Fashioned super easy.
- The mix uses tasty organic cherries and fresh orange zest.
- It’s a Good Foods Award Finalist, so it’s a proven winner.
- The syrup is smooth and has a great, layered flavor.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free, which is a big plus.
- One bottle makes about 32 cocktails, so it lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product contains no alcohol, so you still need to buy your own whiskey.
- It’s best used within 3-4 months after opening, so you need to use it up.
If you love Old Fashioned cocktails but want an easier way to make them, this Strongwater mix is a fantastic option. It delivers great flavor without the fuss.
2. Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to easily whip up delicious Old Fashioned cocktails with Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix. This mixer makes 12 drinks and is perfect for bourbon and whiskey lovers. It’s also a fantastic instant skinny cocktail and mocktail mix, made with real fruit. Plus, it’s vegan, low carb, low sugar, and non-GMO, making it a healthier choice.
What We Like:
- It’s super fast to make a great-tasting Old Fashioned. You get that tart and sweet flavor in just a minute.
- You don’t need fancy bar tools or skills. Just add your bourbon or whiskey and water.
- It’s a guilt-free indulgence with only 25 calories per drink. It’s also fat-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
- The cute packaging makes it a perfect gift for parties. Your friends will love how easy and healthy it is.
- You can take these mixes anywhere. They’re great for camping, watching sports, or just relaxing after work. You can also make yummy mocktails.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s convenient, some people might prefer to make their Old Fashioneds from scratch to control every ingredient.
- The flavor is specifically black cherry, so if you want a different fruit for your Old Fashioned, you’ll need another option.
Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix offers a super convenient and healthier way to enjoy a classic cocktail. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants great flavor without the fuss.
3. Daniel’s Broiler
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to shake up your happy hour with Daniel’s Broiler Whiskey Sour Cocktail Mixer! This special mix comes straight from a famous steakhouse. It’s made in small batches with top-notch ingredients like fresh lemon, lime, and organic sugar. You just need to add your favorite whiskey and a garnish to make a delicious drink. This mixer is designed to make crafting perfect cocktails easy and fun, even if you’re not a pro bartender.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to make great cocktails at home.
- The ingredients are high quality, like fresh lemon, lime, and organic sugar.
- It’s made in small batches, so it tastes extra special.
- The flavor is just right – a nice balance of sweet and sour.
- It makes your whiskey taste even better!
- It’s GMO-free.
- You can make a beautiful golden orange cocktail.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bottle size is 375 ml, which might go quickly if you love making cocktails.
- It’s a specialized product, so you might not find it everywhere.
This mixer is a fantastic way to enjoy steakhouse-quality drinks without leaving your house. It truly turns your spirits into something magical.
4. Cocktail Crate Whiskey Lover’s 3 Pack Drink Mixers
Rating: 8.6/10
Elevate your home bar with the Cocktail Crate Whiskey Lover’s 3 Pack Drink Mixers. This collection features award-winning, handcrafted syrups designed to make crafting the perfect Old Fashioned a breeze. Each bottle is packed with premium ingredients, promising a delicious and sophisticated cocktail experience.
What We Like:
- Distinctive Flavors: The pack includes Classic Old-Fashioned, Spiced Old Fashioned, and Maple Whiskey Sour syrups. These are perfect for all aged spirits, especially bourbon and rye whiskey.
- Premium Ingredients: Each mixer uses fresh, all-natural ingredients like oranges, ginger, aromatic bitters, and demerara sugar. This ensures a high-quality, flavorful drink.
- Easy to Use: Creating a perfect cocktail is simple. Just add ice, the syrup, your favorite whiskey, stir, and enjoy.
- Award-Winning Reputation: Cocktail Crate is recognized as a top brand for whiskey cocktail mixers in the USA. Their creations have been featured in popular media outlets.
- Crafted with Passion: These mixers are made for those who appreciate a well-balanced and smooth cocktail. They aim for a perfectly layered and satisfying drink.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Variety in Pack: While the flavors are excellent, the “Whiskey Lover’s” pack focuses solely on Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour variations. More diverse whiskey cocktail profiles could be a welcome addition.
This Cocktail Crate set is a fantastic way to impress your guests or treat yourself to a superior cocktail. It’s the ideal solution for anyone wanting to create exceptional whiskey drinks with minimal effort.
5. Bittermilk No.3 Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour Mix for Cocktails – Sweet and Sour Mix – Smoked Honey Syrup for Cocktails – Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Makes 17 Cocktails
Rating: 8.6/10
Elevate your home bar with Bittermilk No.3 Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour Mix. This handcrafted mixer brings the expertise of professional bartenders right to your kitchen. It’s made with real, all-natural ingredients like fresh lemon juice and bourbon barrel smoked honey. This mix makes creating delicious cocktails incredibly simple. You get about 17 amazing drinks from each bottle.
What We Like:
- Crafted by bartenders using real ingredients in Charleston, South Carolina.
- A 3x SOFI Award winner, proving its exceptional quality.
- Versatile – pairs perfectly with whiskey, tequila, rum, or even unsweetened tea for a non-alcoholic option.
- Super easy to use: just shake equal parts Bittermilk and your chosen spirit with ice.
- Made with all-natural ingredients like fresh lemon juice, smoked honey, and orange peels – no artificial stuff!
- Makes a fantastic gift for any cocktail lover or whiskey enthusiast.
- Each bottle yields approximately 17 cocktails, offering great value.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, the dominant smoked honey flavor might not appeal to everyone seeking a purely classic sour.
- Availability might be limited in some areas, making it a bit of a treasure hunt.
Bittermilk No.3 is a standout choice for anyone who loves well-balanced, flavorful cocktails without the fuss. It’s a simple way to impress your guests or treat yourself to a bar-quality drink at home.
Choosing the Right Mixer for Your Whiskey
Whiskey is a drink meant to be savored. Sometimes, though, you might want to add a little something extra to change its flavor. That’s where a whiskey mixer comes in. A good mixer can unlock new tastes and make your whiskey experience even more enjoyable. This guide will help you find the perfect mixer for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a whiskey mixer, a few things are really important.
- Flavor Profile: What kind of taste do you want? Do you like sweet, sour, spicy, or something else? The mixer should complement your whiskey, not overpower it. Some mixers add fruit flavors, while others bring a hint of spice or herbs.
- Carbonation Level: Do you like bubbles in your drink? Some mixers are fizzy, like soda water or ginger ale. Others are flat, like syrups or juices. The amount of fizz can change how the drink feels in your mouth.
- Sweetness: How sweet do you like your drinks? Some mixers are very sweet, while others are less so. You can always add more sweetener if you need it, but it’s good to start with something that’s close to what you prefer.
- Ease of Use: Is the mixer easy to pour and mix? Some come in ready-to-pour bottles, while others might need a bit more preparation.
Important Materials
The ingredients in your mixer are super important.
- Natural Ingredients: Look for mixers made with real fruit juices, natural sweeteners like honey or agave, and fresh herbs. These tend to taste better and are often healthier.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Flavors: Some mixers use artificial stuff. These can sometimes have a strange aftertaste. While they might be cheaper, natural ingredients usually give a better flavor.
- Water Quality: For mixers like soda water, the quality of the water matters. Good water makes for a cleaner taste.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a mixer great or not so great.
What Makes a Mixer Better?
- Freshness: A mixer that uses fresh ingredients will always taste better.
- Balance: The best mixers have a good balance of flavors. No single taste should be too strong.
- Simplicity: Sometimes, fewer ingredients are better. A simple mixer lets the whiskey’s flavor shine.
What Makes a Mixer Worse?
- Too Much Sugar: A mixer that is overly sweet can hide the whiskey’s natural taste.
- Artificial Tastes: Strong artificial flavors can make the drink taste fake.
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Using cheap or artificial ingredients usually leads to a less enjoyable drink.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your mixer depends on what you want to do.
For Everyday Enjoyment
If you just want a simple, refreshing drink after a long day, a good quality ginger ale or soda water is perfect. These mixers add a nice fizz and a subtle flavor that doesn’t change the whiskey too much. You can also try a simple syrup made with a bit of lemon or lime juice for a classic whiskey sour.
For Special Occasions
When you want to impress guests or try something new, consider more unique mixers. Think about mixers with interesting fruit combinations like cranberry and orange, or herbal notes like rosemary or mint. These can create more complex and exciting cocktails.
For Beginners
If you’re new to whiskey or mixing drinks, start with simple mixers. A good quality cola or a simple citrus mixer is a safe bet. They are easy to find and most people enjoy them. As you get more comfortable, you can explore more adventurous options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whiskey Mixers
Here are some common questions people have about mixers for whiskey.
Q: What is the best mixer for a beginner whiskey drinker?
A: For beginners, a good quality ginger ale or a simple cola works well. They add a bit of sweetness and fizz that most people find pleasant with whiskey.
Q: Can I use any soda as a mixer for whiskey?
A: While you can use most sodas, some work better than others. Ginger ale, cola, and lemon-lime sodas are popular choices. Avoid very fruity or overly sweet sodas, as they might clash with the whiskey’s flavor.
Q: What is the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer as a mixer?
A: Ginger beer is usually spicier and less sweet than ginger ale. It has a stronger ginger flavor. Ginger ale is milder and sweeter. Both can be good mixers, but they offer different taste experiences.
Q: Should I use a mixer with expensive whiskey?
A: It depends on your preference. Many people prefer to drink high-quality, expensive whiskeys neat or with just a drop of water to appreciate their complex flavors. However, if you enjoy a mixed drink, a high-quality, subtle mixer can still be enjoyable.
Q: How do I make my own whiskey mixer?
A: You can make simple mixers at home. For example, mix equal parts fresh lemon or lime juice with simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water). You can also infuse water with herbs like mint or rosemary.
Q: What are some popular non-carbonated mixers for whiskey?
A: Popular non-carbonated mixers include fruit juices like cranberry, apple, or pineapple. Sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, and even a splash of simple syrup, are also used.
Q: How much mixer should I use with whiskey?
A: This is a matter of personal taste. A common ratio is 1 part whiskey to 2 or 3 parts mixer. However, you can adjust this to make your drink stronger or weaker.
Q: Are there mixers that can reduce the harshness of whiskey?
A: Yes, mixers like ginger ale, cola, or even a touch of honey can help to smooth out the taste and reduce perceived harshness, especially for those who are not used to drinking whiskey straight.
Q: What is the best way to store whiskey mixers?
A: Most bottled mixers should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate them and use them within a few days for the best flavor, especially for carbonated mixers.
Q: Can I use mixers in whiskey cocktails?
A: Absolutely! Mixers are a key component in many classic whiskey cocktails like the Whiskey Highball (whiskey and soda water), Whiskey Ginger (whiskey and ginger ale), or the Old Fashioned (which often uses a sugar cube and bitters, but can be adapted).
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!