A Whiskey Daisy is one of those cocktails that’s both timeless and easy to love. With its mix of smooth whiskey, bright lemon, a hint of orange, and just the right amount of sweetness, this drink feels like sunshine in a glass. It’s crisp, refreshing, and just a little fancy-without being fussy.
Whiskey Daisy
I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s a casual evening on the porch or a gathering with friends, the Whiskey Daisy always hits the spot.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Lowball or coupe glass
Make-ahead: You can mix everything except the soda water ahead of time and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) whiskey – Bourbon adds sweetness; rye gives it a spicy kick
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice – freshly squeezed is key for brightness
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup – adjust to taste
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) orange liqueur – like Cointreau or Triple Sec
– Splash of soda water – for a little sparkle
– Ice – for shaking and serving
– Garnish: Lemon slice, cherry, or both
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your lowball or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep the drink.
- Shake the cocktail. In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur with a handful of ice. Shake it well-about 15 seconds-until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain and serve. Empty your glass if you were chilling it with ice water. Fill it with fresh ice (or serve it up in a coupe if you prefer it without ice). Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
- Add fizz. Top with a small splash of soda water. You’ll hear a light fizz-that’s your cue you’re almost there.
- Garnish and enjoy. Drop in a lemon slice or a cherry. Or both. It’s your drink.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same bright flavor.
– Adjust the sweetness. If you like it more tart, use less syrup. If you prefer it sweeter, bump it up a touch.
– Try different whiskeys. Bourbon makes it smoother and sweeter. Rye adds more bite. Irish whiskey gives it a mellow, silky feel.
– Chill everything. A cold drink is a better drink. Chill your glass and your ingredients if you can.
– Don’t overshake. You want the drink cold, not watered down. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
Storage
You can batch the base (everything but the soda) and keep it in the fridge for a day or two. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with soda water. Keep the soda separate until the last second to preserve the bubbles.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here are a few favorites:
Barbecue Ribs
The smoky, rich flavors of ribs get a lift from the citrusy bite of the Daisy.
Spicy Appetizers
Buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy shrimp all mellow out with the Daisy’s light sweetness.
Chocolate Desserts
A surprising match! The lemon and whiskey cut through the richness of chocolate cake or brownies.
Recipe Variations
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights, but it’s also super easy to tweak depending on what you have or what you’re craving.
New York Daisy
– Swap the simple syrup for grenadine
– Use rye whiskey for a sharper edge
– Gives the drink a reddish hue and fruity twist
Gold Rush Daisy
– Use bourbon
– Replace simple syrup with honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
– Garnish with a sprig of mint for a fresh finish
Irish Daisy
– Use Irish whiskey
– Add a splash of green Chartreuse for a herbal note
– Garnish with a cherry
Virgin Whiskey Daisy
– Use apple cider or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative
– Skip the orange liqueur
– Keep the lemon and sweetener for that refreshing zing
Substitutions
– No orange liqueur? Add a touch more simple syrup and a dash of orange juice or zest.
– Out of simple syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved, or use honey or agave.
– No soda water? You can skip it, but the fizz adds a nice lift. If you have sparkling water, that works too.
– No shaker? Use a mason jar with a tight lid and shake away.
Common Questions
What’s the best whiskey to use?
Use one you enjoy sipping. Bourbon is smooth and sweet. Rye is bold and spicy. Irish whiskey is mellow.
Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely. Just cut back the simple syrup or add a little more lemon juice.
Is it a strong drink?
It’s balanced. You get the warmth of whiskey, but the citrus and soda make it light and easy to sip.
What makes a Daisy different from a Whiskey Sour?
A Daisy adds orange liqueur and a splash of soda. A Sour keeps it simple with just spirit, citrus, and sweetener.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Mix the whiskey, lemon juice, syrup, and orange liqueur in a pitcher. Keep it chilled and add soda water right before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Whiskey Daisy is a cocktail that’s easy to love and fun to make. It strikes that perfect balance between bold and bright, sweet and tart. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the variations, it’s a drink that always feels just right. Serve it with good food, good company, and enjoy every sip.
