When mixing up a whiskey cocktail, cubed ice is a classic choice. Whether you’re concocting a whiskey sour or simply serving whiskey straight up with a cube of ice, cubed ice works well with whiskey for a variety of reasons. For instance, since whiskey connoisseurs are often concerned with the color of their whiskey, cubed ice allows them to easily enjoy the rich colors of their drinks without the distortion that can be caused by other types of ice. In addition, cubed ice won’t melt too fast, so it allows whiskey drinkers to enjoy a stronger flavor.

As the holidays approach, consider adding one of these whiskey cocktails to your holiday tradition! Complete with cubed ice, these cocktails are sure to be a hit at your next Christmas party.

Whiskey-Cran-Apple Pie

This simple whiskey cocktail is a perfect combination of beloved holiday flavors and the smoky taste of whiskey.

Cubed ice

1 ¼ parts of your favorite whiskey

½ part red apple liqueur

3 ½ parts Cran-Apple juice

Cranberries and lemon for garnish

Fill a highball glass with cubed ice and mix in the whiskey, red apple liqueur, and juice. Add a lemon wedge and cranberries for a festive garnish.

Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail

Pumpkins are essential to many holiday traditions, so why not craft a cocktail bursting with the familiar flavor?

1 part Kahlua Pumpkin Spice

1 ½ parts of your preferred whiskey

A dash of ginger ale

Cubed ice

After placing a few pieces of cubed ice in your glass, mix together the whiskey and Kahlua. Add a splash of ginger ale to taste – if you prefer a weaker drink, add extra ginger ale.

Festive Whiskey Cocktail

This slightly spicy drink is an elegant option for a traditional Christmas party. The rich red color adds a festive flair!

2 parts rye whiskey

¾ parts red wine, such as Pinot Noir

½ part black current liqueur

½ part fresh lemon juice

Cubed ice

Lemon peel for garnish

In a shaker, mix together the whiskey, wine, black current liqueur, and lemon juice. Pour the concoction over cubed ice. Squeeze the lemon peel gently before adding it to the drink in order to release the flavor.

Santa’s Old Fashioned

This twist on the classic Old Fashioned will make a nice addition to your cocktail hour during the holiday season.

2 sugar cubes

4 dashes of bitters

1 orange wheel

1 lime wheel

1 lemon wheel

½ teaspoon of grenadine

1 maraschino cherry

¼ cup rye whiskey

Cubed ice

Ginger ale

Club soda

Begin by placing your sugar cubes in a glass and sprinkling them with the bitters. Add the citrus wheels, grenadine, and cherry and then use a muddler to gently blend the flavors of the fruit. Mix in the whiskey and fill the glass with cubed ice. Stir thoroughly and then add splashes of ginger ale and club soda.