This sparkling rye whiskey cocktail is easy to make. Only 4 ingredients – perfect for parties and signature wedding drinks!
I am a fan of both sparkling wine AND a fan of whiskey so I decided to combine them.
Why not, right?
Both are kept on hand in my home at all times and sometimes I just need a change.
Classic cocktail ingredients like honey and lemon are also always available so it’s time to get a cracking (or a popping’!) and get this whiskey cocktail party started.
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Sparkling Rye Whiskey Cocktail
To start, grab your favorite cocktail shaker. I have several but always end up using the same one.
Does anyone else do that?
Anyway, add some ice to the shaker and add the rye whiskey, honey, and lemon juice. Do NOT add the sparkling wine yet – this is important if you don’t want a big mess.
Grab the cocktail shaker and shake it up really well, then strain it into a glass filled with ice.
**Cocktail tip – use bottled or filtered water in your ice cube trays. The ice cubes will appear clear instead of foggy.**
I suggest using a large ice cube so it doesn’t melt quickly. This large, square mold silicone ice cube tray is perfect.
The ice cubes melt much slower and your drink won’t get watered down.
Then, top the glass off with your favorite sparkling wine. Champagne, prosecco, cava – they all work!
What kind of whiskey should I use?
For this cocktail, I am using rye whiskey. It’s spicier and more dry than bourbon. You could substitute bourbon for the rye if that’s what you have on hand.
Some of my favorite brands of rye whiskey include:
- Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye – balanced, bold, and spicy.
- Bulleit Rye – Bulleit is my favorite brand of bourbon, but my second favorite brand of rye whiskey. Smooth and sweet.
- Michter’s US★1 Rye Kentucky Straight Rye – every bottle comes from a single barrel. Peppery and citrusy.
What kind of sparkling wine should I use?
You can use champagne, prosecco, or cava in this drink. This guide to sparkling wines is jam-packed with information.
I often use cava for sparkling wine cocktails because it is cheaper and just as delicious as champagne.
Recommendations from our favorite vinologist include these sparkling wines that you can find at your local big box stores and even your grocery store:
Moët and Chandon: Chandon is similar to Mumm Napa, and he recommends all of their sparkling wines.
Mumm Napa Brut Rose: Their sparkling Rose is pleasant, fruity, and well-priced.
Graham Beck: We recommend Graham Beck’s Brut Rose from South Africa. Exact words from our wine expert – “the dude really knows what he is doing.”
Roederer Estate Brut: This is classic champagne from California at a fraction of the cost of French versions.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label: This is a bestseller for a reason and something you may have already heard of or seen on store shelves.
What type of glass should this easy rye cocktail be served in?
You can use many types of glasses for this cocktail.
However, I do *not* recommend using champagne flutes or martini glasses. Unless you have tiny ice cubes.
Collins glasses and rocks glasses are my favorite for this drink.
Just enough room for large ice cubes!
How should I garnish this rye whiskey cocktail?
Lemon rinds, lemon wedges, candied lemon peel, dried lemon wedges, lemon anything (except for the whole lemon!)
A lemon wedge is a great option in case the drink is too sweet for some people. You can also add a little spice by garnishing with candied ginger.
Squeeze a little more lemon juice in the glass and you’re set!
Try these other sparkling cocktails!
Try these other whiskey cocktails!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 12 ounces sparkling wine
Instructions
- Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Pour the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice over the ice. Then shake vigorously.
- Strain the rye into a glass filled with ice. Top the glass with sparkling wine.
Mary Walton
Tuesday 22nd of January 2019
I picked up a bottle of this very Rye for my husband recently and it’s been so long since we’ve had a whiskey cocktail…love the sparkle component! Cheers!