A match made in heaven: the best whiskey cocktail pairings for burgers

As the weather starts cooling down and the nights getting longer, who could dream of a better, more comforting combination?

Sure, beer and wine are always solid choices to pair with a tasty burger. But if you’re in the mood for something more complex, these whiskey cocktails are the way to go to step up your burger game.

Manhattan

Equal parts sweet and strong, this classic combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters is the perfect balancing act to a decadent burger.

Half fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Add 1½ parts rye whiskey, ¾ part sweet vermouth and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry, or a twist of orange peel.

Boulevardier

Created in 1927 as a variation of the Negroni, the rich and smooth Boulevardier calls for the use of bourbon whiskey instead of gin, with bitter Campari and red vermouth.

Combine 1½ parts bourbon, 1 part sweet red vermouth and 1 part Campari into a mixing glass with ice. Stir, strain into an old fashioned glass over ice and garnish with an orange zest.

Whiskey Bramble

The Gin Bramble we know and love has a bold, flavorful whiskey variation that will be the ideal partner to the juicy burger of your dreams.

Pour 2 parts bourbon, ¾ part lemon juice and ½ part simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into an old fashioned glass with crushed ice. Top with  ½ part crème de mûre and garnish with fresh blackberries.