Orange-Ginger Whisky Cocktail

Nothing says “kick back and relax” quite like a delicious cocktail in your hand - bonus points for sharing with your friends! Whisky is a great drink on its own, but wait until you try this jazzed up version. It has a citrus kick and a bit of spice that works like magic with the smooth whisky, and a little bit of fizz from the ginger beer brings the whole mix to life!

Prep Time
5 minutes
30 minutes cooling time
Cook Time
5 minutes
Servings

For the cocktail:

  • ⅓ cup (72 g) Redpath® Dark Brown Sugar, packed ⅓ cup (72 g) Redpath® Dark Brown Sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 inches (26 g) fresh ginger, sliced 2 inches (26 g) fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 tsp (2 g) black peppercorns 1 tsp (2 g) black peppercorns
  • 8 strips of orange zest 8 strips of orange zest
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) orange juice ¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) orange juice
  • 1 cup (250 ml) Canadian whisky 1 cup (250 ml) Canadian whisky
  • ½ cup (125 ml) ginger beer ½ cup (125 ml) ginger beer

For the garnish (optional):

  • Orange zest Orange zest
  • Orange slices Orange slices
  • Fresh ginger slices Fresh ginger slices
  • Candied ginger Candied ginger

Instructions

Steps of making ginger whiskey cocktail

Step 1

In a small pot over medium heat, combine the Redpath® Dark Brown Sugar with the water, sliced ginger, and peppercorns. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer; 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow ginger and peppercorns to infuse into the syrup. Cool completely; 30 minutes.

Step 2

Strain cooled syrup into a measuring cup (or airtight container, if prepping a few days in advance). Discard peppercorns.

Step 3

Add the strips of orange zest to the bottom of a small pitcher. Add in the ginger syrup and orange juice. With a muddler or a spoon, muddle the orange peel with the rest of the ingredients; about 1 minute.

Step 4

Add in the whisky and some ice. Stir to combine. Just before serving, top off with ginger beer.

Step 5

Decorate glasses with desired garnish.

Glass of orange ginger cocktail made with dark brown sugar

Chef's Tip

*Use a vegetable peeler to zest the peel from an orange.

*Redpath® Golden Yellow and Redpath® Simply Raw™ turbinado sugar can be used in place of the Redpath® Dark Brown Sugar

*The ginger syrup can be made a few days in advance. After straining, place cooled syrup into an airtight container or jar and place into fridge until needed.

*Ginger slices used in the syrup can be kept and used as a garnish for the drink or tossed into smoothies for a spicy kick.

*If a less spicy drink is desired, ginger ale, club soda, or sparkling water can be used instead of the ginger beer.

*Whisky or whiskey from any country can be substituted for the Canadian whisky.

*Be creative and experiment with different alcohols by replacing the whisky with dark or light rum, vodka, or gin.