Golden summer evening in a glass: 4 easy cocktails made with whiskey

With summer just around the corner, the chilly nights of winter is slowly giving way to a warmer, brighter one. It is the prefect season to have an outdoor dinner or a classy balcony date if you fancy. Now, wine would be the classic choice of beverage. But the Christmas, News Year and Valentine's Day just had their shares, opting for a sweeter and fresher option might sound like a wonderful idea. It's time to bust out the old shakers and turn up with a cocktail that is sure to wow your guest (or date). Whiskey is a brilliant base if you are looking to create a cocktail that is unique and enticing to go with your meal. IANSLife has brought in Poonam of NeuWorldSpirits to show you a whiskey base cocktail recipe to help you have a glass full of whiskey and an evening full of comfort and relaxation.

Check out one of the easiest yet refreshing cocktail that looks the perfect shade of gold:

Whiskey highball

Typically served in a high glass with ginger and lemon, whiskey highball is the perfect drink for those who want to enjoy a refreshing new take on whiskey like never before. A whiskey highball is traditionally made with whiskey and a mixer, typically carbonated water or ginger ale, and is perfect for those who aren't too big on the stronger taste of whiskey and want something that neuters down the taste, just a little bit.

Ingredients
2 oz whiskey
1 can of ginger ale
Ice Cubes

Preparation
In a tall glass, add the whiskey, ice and top it off with ginger ale
Stir in a gentle folding motion to combine the flavours

Whiskey old fashioned

Made with whiskey, sugar and bitters, the whiskey old fashioned is a classic drink that will never go out of style. The smooth taste of whiskey coupled with the strong aromatic elements of the bitters is perfect for those cozy evenings with your loved one, especially if you both like the classics and know exactly what you love.

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz downing street whiskey
1 Sugar cube
2 dashes angostura bitters
Few dashes plain water

Preparation
Place sugar cube in old fashioned glass and saturate with bitters, add a dash of plain water.
Muddle until dissolved
Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey
Garnish with orange slice, and a cocktail cherry

Hot toddy

Made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices, it's a soothing and coyz drink that's sure to warm you up on a cold night. The warmth of the drink coupled with the aromatic flavours is sure to spice up your evenings.

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Downing Street Whiskey
3 tsp Honey
1 Cinnamon Stick
Juice of Half Lemon
2 cloves

Preparation
Whisk the whisky and honey together and split between 2 heatproof glasses
Add half of the cinnamon stick to each, then top up with 200ml boiling water
Add a splash of lemon juice to each
Finish each with a slice of lemon, studded with a clove, and serve immediately.

Penicillin

Ginger and lemon are one of the best flavours to compliment the smooth oakiness of scotch, which is why the Penicillin has become one of the most loved whiskey based cocktails in recent years. The combination of ingredients also contributes to a holistic power packed flavour.

Ingredients
2 ounces Blended Scotch
3/4 ounce Lemon Juice
3/4 ounce Honey-Ginger Syrup
1/4 ounce Single Malt Scotch

Preparation
Add the blended scotch, lemon juice and syrup into a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
Top with the Islay single malt scotch
Garnish with a piece of candied ginger