Updated: Nov. 23, 2023
Wondering how to drink whiskey neat? We'll show you the best way to appreciate all of the complex flavors this fiery spirit has to offer.
Whiskey is a very versatile spirit. You can drink it hot, cold and hey, you can even bake with it! From sweet slushes to complex vintage co*cktails, whiskey drinks are a mainstay on every bar menu. But there is something to be said for appreciating it all on its own. When you’re ready to become a whiskey connoisseur, this is how to drink whiskey neat.
What is a whiskey neat?
Whiskey neat is whiskey served without any mixer, additional flavor (think co*cktail bitters) or dilution. It seems like this would be a glass of whiskey “straight up” but surprisingly when you order a spirit that way you’re telling your bartender to mix it with ice first and then strain it into your glass.
How do you drink whiskey neat?
The best way to drink whiskey neat is out of a lowball co*cktail glass at room temperature. Two ounces is the correct serving size for this drink but bartenders shouldn’t use a jigger or other measuring tool for this drink. The goal of a drink served neat is to go straight from the bottle to the glass with as little interruption as possible. (By the way, here’s how to stock a home bar).
A whiskey neat is a drink made to be sipped slowly—the goal is to appreciate the nuance of the whiskey. It may be poured the same way as a shot of liquor but it definitely shouldn’t be consumed all in one gulp.
Although the point of a whiskey neat is to savor the whiskey with no dilution, many whiskey enthusiasts would argue a few drops of water can make a whiskey neat much more interesting. The compounds that make up the aroma of a glass of whiskey are hydrophobic (meaning they repel water) so they are more volatile and easier to sense when water is added to the glass.
If you’re just starting to drink your whiskey neat, it’s a good idea to order some ice on the side. You can take a few sips of the liquor neat and then add ice cubes one at a time to see how the temperature and dilution affects your drink. A practiced drinker will find the hot alcohols of undiluted whiskey interesting and even pleasant, but there is no reason to feel you have to finish your whole whiskey neat right away.
What’s the best whiskey to drink neat?
Bourbon is a good starter whiskey if you’re just getting into drinking it neat. The high proportion of corn used to make it gives it a sweeter flavor that calms some of the alcohol burn. If you like a bit of spice, rye whiskey could be a good place to start; it’s drier than bourbon but the spiced character of the rye also helps tone down the alcohol character when drinking it neat.
These are the types of whiskey you really need to know.
FAQs
Drinking whiskey “neat” means that it's served at room temperature and without any mixers or anything that would dilute the serving, like ice or water. While drinking whiskey “on the rocks” means the whiskey is served over ice cubes. One is bold and fiery, the other is cooled and controlled.
What does it actually mean to take whiskey neat? ›
What Does “Whiskey Neat” Mean? Drinking whiskey “neat” means enjoying whiskey by itself, at room temperature, without any mixers or dilution.
What does it mean when someone wants whiskey neat? ›
Drinking a spirit “neat” is the most straight-forward. A “neat” drink is a pure spirit, poured into a glass with no other ingredients added, not even ice. Whiskey is a very common spirit to drink neat, but that's different from a shot.
What does "Irish neat water back" mean? ›
A shot of whisky, tequila, or vodka, when served neat in a shot glass, is often accompanied by a "chaser" (a mild drink consumed after a shot of hard liquor) or a "water back" (a separate glass of water). These terms commingle as well; it is common in many locales to hear a "beer back" ordered as the chaser to a shot.
Is whiskey neat the same as straight up? ›
To recap: Neat: Right out of the bottle. Up: Chilled, and served in a co*cktail glass. Straight Up: Usually means “neat”, but check first.
How to drink whisky correctly? ›
For neat whisky, make it a tumbler (a short glass with a heavy bottom). For long whisky drinks, use a highball glass that's tall, slim and straight-sided. A huge part of the flavor of food and drink comes from the way it smells – and whisky is no exception. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma.
Is it better to drink whiskey neat or ice? ›
Lowering the temperature of the alcohol by adding ice not only enhances the aroma and taste but also provides a unique benefit for whiskey enthusiasts: it removes the “burn triggers” in the brain. When whiskey is served neat, the high alcohol content can often create a fiery sensation on the palate.
What is whiskey with water called? ›
It's also often called "bourbon and branch," referring to either the stream of water that flows into your bar glass or the branch of a river near a distillery. While the question of how to make a bourbon and water is an easy one, there are some other questions to consider: When should you add water to your whiskey?
Is it better to drink whiskey neat or with water? ›
The simplest way to enjoy your whisky is neat, cleansing your palate with cool water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whisky, which can open up the flavors as the liquids combine. Experiment to see what works for you, but go slowly.
Does water make whiskey stronger? ›
Remember: every palate is different, but the less water added, the stronger your drink will be! Since bourbon has such a robust flavor, many people dilute it up to a 1:1 ratio: 50% WATER AND 50% WHISKEY. For example, 2 ounces of 100-proof whiskey with an added ½ ounce of water would result in an 80-proof glass.
1) On the Rocks: Served over ice. 2) Neat: Served without ice (meant to be sipped) 3) Up: Stirred with ice and then strained into a chilled stemware co*cktail glass (this would be appropriate if you order a whiskey-based martini like a Manhattan)
What does "dirty" mean in bartending? ›
Dirty. Another term used for martinis, “dirty” means to add olive juice and an olive (or three) to garnish. It's a trendy way to have a martini.
What kind of people drink whiskey? ›
If whisky is your signature drink, you are mature, deep and confident. You enjoy the mystery and intellect that comes with having a whisky neat, and the depth of a good whisky.
What is bourbon on ice called? ›
This is a much simpler term that is rarely confused in the bar industry. “Rocks” are ice, so if you want a pour of your favorite whiskey with some ice cubes, “on the rocks” is how you order it. But remember: letting the ice sit in the glass will change the experience of a spirit because of dilution.
Do you put whisky on ice? ›
THE VERDICT
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to ice. “Yes, you can put ice in single malt scotch. Put one or two cubes in your whisky, it will chill it slightly, melt into water, and then help release all these wonderful aromas and flavors.”
Is it better to drink whiskey neat or over ice? ›
Drinking whiskey neat is like diving headfirst into a pool of flavour and aroma, while whiskey on the rocks is like slowly easing into the pool, letting the ice temper the intensity of the alcohol and reveal new depths of taste and scent. The only way to discover which one is for you is to try them both out.
Do you sip or take shots of whiskey? ›
Sip Whiskey, Don't Shoot
Shooting fine whiskey is a sin. Some people may do it, but that doesn't make it right. For one thing, a lot of premium whiskeys are unfriendly to shoot - your palate will burn - and for another, you're going to detect zero flavor notes. Sip neat, don't shoot.
Should you drink whiskey on the rocks? ›
It's an extremely popular way of drinking whisky, with many saying it's the best, as there are no other ingredients to affect the taste of the liquid. The ice acts as a chilling agent, gently diluting the whisky to soften the burn. Simple, sophisticated, and timeless.
