vermouth and whisky drinks that aren’t a Manhattan

Whisky and vermouth are a duo you might not expect but will never forget. Together, they create some of the most iconic, versatile and downright delicious drinks in the cocktail world. Whether you’re sipping a classic or trying something new, vermouth and whisky drinks bring depth, balance and just the right amount of complexity to the table.

The most famous cocktail in this category? The Manhattan—a timeless combination of whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters. But that’s just the start. There’s plenty of other ways to pair whisky and vermouth together.

If you’re ready to elevate your home bar game with some simple yet sophisticated cocktails, keep reading. We’ll break down why whisky and vermouth work so well together and introduce you to some recipes worth mixing.

As always, please enjoy responsibly. 

Blood and Sand

This cocktail is as bold as its name. Inspired by a 1920s film, Blood and Sand pairs sweet vermouth with whisky, orange juice and cherry brandy for a drink that’s fruity, smoky, and just a little bit mysterious. It’s a classic for anyone who likes their cocktails with a bit of drama.

To make it, combine Ballantine’s Finest, sweet vermouth, fresh orange juice and cherry brandy in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain and serve in a chilled glass. Perfect for chilled out evenings or when you’re in the mood to impress.

Get the full recipe for Blood and Sand.

Boulevardier

Think of the Boulevardier as the Negroni’s whisky-loving cousin. With whisky, sweet vermouth and Campari, it’s bitter, boozy and seriously smooth. Our version uses Byrrh, a vermouth-like aperitif with notes of fruit and spice, but you can swap in sweet vermouth if that’s what you’ve got.

Mix Ballantine’s, sweet vermouth (or Byrrh) and Campari over ice, then stir and strain into a glass. Add an orange twist for garnish for a classic serve. This one’s made for after-dinner sipping or pairing with savoury snacks. 

Get the recipe for the Boulevardier.

Rob Roy

The Rob Roy is basically a Manhattan with a Scottish twist, named after a Scottish legend. Made with Ballantine’s 10 Year Old and sweet vermouth, it’s smooth, rich and perfect for a refined yet easy cocktail moment. Add a dash of bitters to bring out even more complexity.

Stir whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters over ice, strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry. Looking to shake things up? Check out some Rob Roy variations, like the smoky version with Islay whisky or a dry take with white vermouth.

Get the recipe for a Rob Roy.

Old Pal

If you’re into drinks that are more bitter than sweet, the Old Pal is your guy. This cocktail swaps out sweet vermouth for dry vermouth, combining it with whisky and Campari for a sharp, herbaceous sip that’s anything but ordinary.

To mix it up, stir Ballantine’s, dry vermouth and Campari over ice, then strain into a chilled glass. It’s a punchy, no-frills drink that’s perfect for cocktail enthusiasts. You can find the Old Pal recipe in our list of Negroni variations.

Vermouth and whisky drinks prove that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make something epic. From the smooth taste of a Rob Roy to the bold complexity of a Boulevardier, these cocktails are all about celebrating the flavours of great whisky with just the right touch of vermouth.

Want more? Check out our collection of whisky drinks including simple 3-ingredient whisky cocktails and variations on an Old Fashioned.