In this edition of No-Fail Whisky Cocktail, we introduce a style of whisky well known in Canada and America: rye whisky. The main difference between the two is that American rye whiskey must be distilled from at least 51 percent rye, while Canadian rye whisky is only called that for historical reasons — the whisky itself may not actually contain any rye at all.
This style of whisky is famous in the north-eastern United States, which was the centre of American whisky production in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
We introduce a standout rye whisky brand, Templeton Rye from Iowa, along with a couple of delicious recipes that offer a fresh take on the whisky cocktail list.
Templeton Rye
Templeton Rye comes from the city of Templeton, Iowa. Rye whisky was first produced there during the Prohibition era as a source of income for Iowa’s farmers. Its distinctive amber colour was considered a mark of high quality and was highly appreciated in cities such as Chicago and Kansas City. In more recent years, Templeton Rye has become a distinguished whisky brand, built around a recipe said to date back to the Prohibition era.
Distilled and aged in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, the Templeton Rye whisky is bottled at the distillery in Templeton, Iowa. The brand currently uses flavour engineers to recreate the original taste of that Prohibition-era recipe.
The Templeton 4 Year Old offers a strong, spicy flavour that is perfect for the recipes below. Made from 95% rye, this whisky is one of the most beloved rye whiskies of the 21st century, offering a taste from the past.
Templeton Rye Cocktails
Whiskey Smash
Jerry Thomas, a patron saint of modern bartending, was the first to publish this recipe, in 1887. This incredible cocktail mixes fresh, interesting flavours — an herb, a fruit, ice, a base spirit and a sweetener. It’s the perfect recipe for the end of summer, as the evenings start to turn colder.
- 2 oz. Templeton Rye (or any rye of your preference)
- 0.75 oz. lemon juice
- 0.5 oz. simple syrup
- 6 mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Muddle the lemon juice, simple syrup and mint leaves in a shaker. Add the Templeton Rye and shake with a touch of ice (it should be almost a dry shake). Strain into a rocks glass filled halfway with crushed ice. Top up with more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Boulevardier
This recipe is a twist on the classic Negroni, introduced by Harry McElhone in 1927. He swapped the gin for an American whisky, giving the cocktail a rounder, more subtle sip. With its simple, straightforward ingredients, it’s the perfect cocktail to enjoy with friends and loved ones.
- 1 oz. Templeton Rye (or any rye of your preference)
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
- Twist of lemon
Stir all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a twist of lemon. Simple, easy and absolutely delicious!
As summer winds down, we’re starting to reach for rounder, warmer cocktails. These two are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.