Canadian blended whisky is a type of whisky that is blended from a combination of different whiskies, which are typically made from a mixture of grains such as corn, rye, wheat, and barley. It is a popular style of whisky in Canada and is sometimes referred to as “rye whisky” or simply “Canadian whisky” although it may not contain any rye whiskey.
Canadian blended whisky typically has a smooth and mellow taste with a slightly sweet flavor. It is also known for its light-bodied and approachable nature, making it a popular choice for mixing in cocktails.
- Whisky Sour: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz. Canadian whisky, ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz. simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
- Maple Leaf: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. pure maple syrup, and ½ oz. fresh lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
- Highball: Fill a highball glass with ice, add 2 oz. Canadian whisky, and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Boulevardier: In a mixing glass, stir together 1 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, and 1 oz. Campari. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange peel.
- Toronto Cocktail: In a mixing glass, stir together 2 oz. Canadian whisky, ¼ oz. Fernet Branca, and ¼ oz. simple syrup. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Rusty Nail: In a glass filled with ice, combine 1 ½ oz. Canadian whisky and ½ oz. Drambuie. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Manhattan: In a mixing glass, stir together 2 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
- Rob Roy: In a mixing glass, stir together 2 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Old Fashioned: In a glass, muddle 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of bitters, and a splash of water. Add ice and 2 oz. Canadian whisky. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
- The Northern Lights: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. blueberry syrup, ½ oz. fresh lime juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Maple Old Fashioned: In a glass, muddle 1 tsp. maple syrup and 2 dashes of bitters. Add ice and 2 oz. Canadian whisky. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.
- Honey Buck: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. honey syrup, ½ oz. fresh lemon juice, and a dash of ginger bitters. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lemon wheel.
- Smoke & Spice: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 1/2 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. honey syrup, 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice, and a few slices of jalapeño pepper. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of peated Scotch whisky and garnish with a jalapeño slice.
- Apple Cider Margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. tequila, 1 oz. apple cider, 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz. honey syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
- Canadian Iced Tea: In a glass filled with ice, combine 1 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. peach schnapps, 1 oz. blue curaçao, 1 oz. sweet and sour mix, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Cinnamon Toast: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz. Canadian whisky, 1 oz. apple cider, 1/2 oz. cinnamon syrup, and 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
What Can Canadian Blended Whisky be Mixed With?
Canadian blended whisky is a versatile spirit that can be mixed with a wide range of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are a few popular mixers that are often paired with Canadian blended whisky:
- Ginger ale or ginger beer: The spicy kick of ginger ale or ginger beer pairs well with the smooth and mellow flavor of Canadian whisky. The two make a great combo in a classic cocktail like a Canadian Whisky and Ginger.
- Cola: Mixing Canadian whisky with cola creates a classic cocktail called a “Whisky and Cola” or “Rye and Coke”. The sweetness of the cola pairs well with the smooth and slightly sweet flavor of Canadian whisky.
- Lemon-lime soda: Lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite or 7UP, is a popular mixer for Canadian whisky. The citrusy flavors of the soda complement the smooth and mellow taste of the whisky.
- Apple juice or cider: Apple juice or cider is a great mixer for Canadian whisky, especially during the fall season. The sweet and tart flavors of the apple juice pair well with the slightly sweet and mellow flavor of Canadian whisky.
- Vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine that is often used in classic cocktails like the Manhattan and the Martini. Mixing Canadian whisky with vermouth creates a tasty and complex cocktail that is perfect for sipping.
About Canadian Blended Whisky
Origin: Canadian blended whisky has its origins in the early 19th century, when Scottish and Irish immigrants brought their knowledge of whisky distillation to Canada. The first recorded commercial whisky production in Canada dates back to 1858, and the Canadian whisky industry has continued to grow and thrive since then.
Ingredients: Canadian blended whisky is made from a blend of different types of whisky, including malt whisky, grain whisky, and corn whisky. The exact blend varies from brand to brand, but most Canadian whiskies use a high proportion of corn whisky and are aged in oak barrels.
Texture: Canadian blended whisky is generally smooth and mellow, with a light and delicate flavor profile compared to some other types of whisky. It often has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, and can be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails.
Proof: Canadian blended whisky typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, or 80 proof.
Usage: Canadian blended whisky can be enjoyed on its own, in cocktails, or in cooking. It can also be used as a substitute for other types of whisky in recipes that call for them.
Serving: Canadian blended whisky is traditionally served neat or on the rocks, but can also be enjoyed in cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Rob Roy.
Festive drink: Canadian blended whisky is a popular festive drink during the winter holiday season, and can be enjoyed in cocktails such as the Hot Toddy, which combines whisky with hot water, honey, and lemon.
Production: Canadian blended whisky is produced by blending different types of whisky together to create a unique flavor profile. The whisky is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years before it can be sold as Canadian whisky.
Manufacturer: There are several Canadian whisky manufacturers, including Canadian Club, Crown Royal, and Seagram’s. The exact blend and flavor profile of each brand can vary.
Variations: There are several variations of Canadian blended whisky, including flavored whiskies such as apple and cinnamon, as well as premium and ultra-premium blends that are aged for longer periods and may use more expensive ingredients.