Rye whiskey
- Spirits
- Alcoholic
Rye whiskey is a grain spirit in which rye predominates; in the United States the mash must contain at least 51% rye and the spirit is matured in new charred oak. It has a long American history and was the spirit of the earliest cocktails, including the Manhattan. The taste is dry, spicy and peppery, less sweet and round than bourbon. In classic drinks from the Manhattan to the Monte Carlo it stands up well to vermouth, bitters and amari.
Strength: usually 45% ABV (legal minimum 40%).
Also known as: Rye, Rye whiskey or bourbon
Used in 8 cocktails.
Cocktails where it is essential (8)
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Dry Manhattan
The Manhattan, crisp and lean.
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IBA
Manhattan
Whiskey, vermouth, New York poise.
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Monte Carlo
Rye and herbs, elegantly.
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IBA
New York Sour
Whiskey sour, crowned in red.
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Perfect Manhattan
The Manhattan, in balance.
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IBA
Remember the Maine
A Manhattan with a memory.
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IBA
Trinidad Sour
Bold bitters, almond heart.
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IBA
Vieux Carré
The French Quarter, distilled.
If you don't have it
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Bourbon whiskey works
The drink becomes sweeter and rounder, with less pepper and spice; in a Manhattan it can taste too sweet next to sweet vermouth.
Sources (7)
- 27 CFR 5.143 Standards of identity (Cornell LII, US TTB) (opens in a new tab)
- Rye whiskies (Master of Malt category page) (opens in a new tab)
- Straight rye whiskey example (Difford's Guide) (opens in a new tab)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787, Annex I (as adopted text, legislation.gov.uk): whisky/whiskey, min 40% vol (opens in a new tab)
- Rye vs bourbon in a Manhattan (Moody Mixologist) (opens in a new tab)
- Rye whiskey (Britannica) (opens in a new tab)
- Rye whiskey 45–49% ABV – Difford’s Guide (opens in a new tab)