Back in the day, I tended to avoid brown liquor, choosing beer or a lemony vodka soda when offered a drink. But I’ve developed a taste for bourbon. There’s something soothing about sipping a snifter of Buffalo Trace, particularly on a cold winter’s night. But whiskey, surprisingly, is also an ideal base for refreshing summer cocktails, making it an excellent choice for celebrating Father’s Day. Here are 15 of the best whiskey cocktail recipes to try with your dad.

Father’s Day is that one special day to acknowledge the dads in your life. What better way to celebrate than with a well crafted, beautifully presented whiskey cocktail. Whether your Dad is a weekend warrior or a laid back and enjoy the day kind of guy, tell him to take a break, put his feet up and hand him a tumbler.

If he’s a traditionalist, you can’t go wrong with a classic Old Fashioned. Want to amp it up? Try to recreate the smoked version served in fancy restaurants and bars.

Prefer something lighter? Whiskey pairs very well with fruity flavors like peach, orange, cherry and apple. Have some fun with the garnish too – rosemary sprigs fresh from the garden work well as skewers that photograph beautifully.

My favorite whiskey cocktail was invented by my college chum George Lacovera, who counts amateur mixologist among his many titles. The drink was created to honor the birthday of my college roommate. Mix up a few “Come on Eileen” cocktails for Dad and he’ll dance like it’s 1982!

whiskey cocktail garnished with an orange slice for Father's Day

Print Recipe

Come On Eileen

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Cocktail

Servings: 1

Author: George Lacovera

Ingredients

1.5 oz Rye
.75 oz fresh OJ
.75 oz pomegranate juice
1 Tbsp simple syrup

Instructions

Combine all of the above in a cocktail shaker over ice.
Shake and strain into a tumbler.
Garnish with fresh orange slice or peel.

With a good whiskey, some fresh ingredients and love, you can give your Dad the perfect Father’s Day cocktail. Here are 11 more whiskey cocktail recipes to try.

Mix on, my friends. Mix on.