Summer is a time for barbecuing, and here at English Ivy’s, our bartenders and culinary specialists know that whiskey happens to be one of the best drinks to pair with the flavors of roasted, seared, and flamed meats. The aromatic herbs and essences of whiskey perfectly complement the rich, char-grilled flavors of authentic BBQ cuisine.

So continue reading to learn which whiskey cocktails we recommend to pair with your summertime BBQ!

Why Whiskey?

Terrific barbecue is not an easy accomplishment. It takes years of trial and error, acute knowledge, and unwavering discipline to truly achieve the skill level necessary to create mouth-watering barbecue. But when it comes to creating delicious cocktails to pair well with your favorite smoked meats and classic comfort foods, there is no real skill required! Anyone can couple the perfect cocktail with the smokiness and spiciness of a genuine barbecue dinner. All you need are the right ingredients, the right supplies, and a group of friends to share them with!

When deciding on cocktails, there are hundreds of liquors and liqueurs to choose from, but whiskey is always a safe choice. There is no other liquor that quite matches the smoke and spice of barbecue. The aromatic herbs of whiskey seem to complement the charred goodness of authentic barbecued foods. Below you will find a few popular whiskey cocktails that are sure to bring out the best flavors and the best times at your next barbecue dinner!

🍋 The Dickelade

This cocktail is made with George Dickel No. 12® , which is a 90 proof whiskey that is inspired by authentic scotch flavors. It is basically an Arnold Palmer, but without the iced tea. In fact, you could even compare it to a whiskey sour, which is bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar (and sometimes an egg white to balance the flavor!). To make a Dickelade, simply mix with lemonade and serve over ice with a lemon slice!

Directions:
⇢ 1.5 ounces George Dickel No. 12®
⇢ 4 ounces Lemonade

Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in whiskey first, then top it with the lemonade. Stir the contents until the glass starts to chill and condensate. Finish by garnishing with a lemon slice.

🍯 Jack Daniels Honey® & Grapefruit

The name really says it all here. This cocktail is the perfect refreshing finish to any bite of tasty barbecue, and it only requires a few easy ingredients. All you need is a bottle of Jack Daniels® and some ruby red grapefruits to get started. Simply mix, pour over ice, and garnish with a lime wedge. If you want to avoid the hassle of freshly squeezing grapefruits, you can substitute in your choice of bottled grapefruit juice.

Directions:
⇢ 1 ounces Jack Daniels Honey®
⇢ 3 ounces Fresh-Squeezed Grapefruit Juice

Start with a tall glass of ice. Squeeze grapefruit juice into a separate container. Next, pour the whiskey over ice, then follow with grapefruit juice. Finish by garnishing with a lime wedge.

🍹 The Cobas

If you want something similar to the Jack Daniels Honey® and Grapefruit, but not as sweet, try the exotic cocktail named the Cobas, which loosely translates to the suck up in Spanish. But this drink doesn’t have tequila. Instead, this cocktail requires standard bourbon, grapefruit juice, mint leaves, and cinnamon.

Directions:
⇢ 1 ounces Jim Beam®
⇢ 1.5 ounces Fresh-Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
⇢ 1.5 ounces Fresh-Squeezed Lime Juice

Start with a tall glass of ice. Next, pour the whiskey over ice, then follow with grapefruit juice and lime juice. Finish by garnishing with a lime wedge, fresh mint leaves, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Where to Get Great Food and Drink Specials in Downtown Indy

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious dinner and drink specials we’re offering this summer! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. From classic wings and beer, to prime rib, cocktails, stage entertainment, and more, we have exactly what you are looking for in both flavor and fun! With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully-satisfied with every moment you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We look forward to being friends!