Did you know whisky can be perfect for warm weather?

There are these so-called whisky rules that started somewhere and then got adopted as gospel. One you often hear is that you shouldn’t drink whisky in warm weather. Nonsense. Did you know whisky can be perfect when it’s hot out? Welcome to a new Did you know?

It’s a misconception that whisky is only for cold, wintry days. As if you should ceremonially stash away your favorite bottle in April and only bring it out again in October next to some imaginary fireplace. The aficionados know it, the uninitiated maybe not, but trust us: whisky is incredibly versatile.

The idea that whisky only belongs to winter, as some claim, is understandable. Some whiskies are heavy and smoky. That naturally brings to mind rain or snow and a dark evening by the fire.

But it entirely depends on the style you choose and how you drink it, then it can pair beautifully with weather like this.

So why not opt for a light Irish whiskey, a fruity Speyside, or a gentle bourbon? Notes of citrus, apple, honey, vanilla, tropical fruit, and soft spice are delightful in this weather and wonderfully approachable.

In summer, there’s nothing wrong with adding an ice cube to your glass. Wonderfully refreshing. Not everything is sacrilege. Variety is the spice of life, right? The same goes for how you drink whisky.

Especially in warm weather, ice can open up a whisky and make it feel lighter. A large ice sphere, a few cubes, or even a splash of cold water can turn something that feels too heavy or sticky into a pour that suits the temperature perfectly.

And we haven’t even talked about the highball yet. It’s so easy to make and so delicious. Treat yourself today to the combo: whisky, soda water, ice, and a twist of lemon if you like. In the Land of the Rising Sun, they certainly don’t say no to a drink like that. So go on, indulge yourself.

Here at Whisky Monkeys, we’re big fans of the Whisky Sour. It’s an easy cocktail to make: lemon, sugar, whisky, and optionally egg white or aquafaba.

The fun part is you can experiment endlessly. Try a different whisky, different bitters, a dash of honey or ginger syrup, or even play with other base spirits. Strictly speaking it might not be a classic Whisky Sour anymore, but who cares? Drink your whisky the way you like it.

So no, whisky doesn’t have to go back on the shelf the moment the temperature rises. Grab some ice, top with soda, shake up a sour, or try a lighter style you might usually overlook.

Cheers!