![Sazerac cocktail recipe](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/93Sd8FacVACDALNGs-80IG2CHv0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sazerac-Cocktail-FT-RECIPE0223-a2f6f4cd720e488a8614c3c57c9d38d4.jpg)
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
You've added some stand-out bottles of rye whiskey to your bar for sipping neat or on the rocks. Now what? Rye whiskey is a classic, American spirit that can bring spicy, bold elements to classic cocktails like a Sazerac, which is the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans, or an Old Fashioned, one of the most crowd-pleasing, simple cocktails you'll ever make. Whatever journey you decide on, rye whiskey is a versatile ingredient that can make for layered cocktails full of flavor and complexity. Read on for five of our favorite rye whiskey drinks to make at home.
Manhattan
![Manhattan Cocktail](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/cOQktLcqXd_pgef_tcS8jkNjV1E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Manhattan-Cocktail-FT-BLOG0522-dee9bf6e992f425eb496657aa2f14d47.jpg)
Manhattans are easy to bottle and prepare in advance of a party — just ask Dave Arnold and Don Lee of Existing Conditions in New York City. The duo recommends using a swing-top bottle to store a mixture of whiskey, vermouth, one cup of water, and bitters in the refrigerator an hour before serving, leaving you free to host instead of playing the role of frazzled bartender.
Vieux Carré
![Vieux Carre](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/DMKM1PKdSIhPwg3MZjFapdbd9kg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Vieux-Carre-FT-BLOG1122-5ee791a28b7e4073999a1e0362bf5dfe.jpg)
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
Channel the decadence and debauchery of Prohibition-era New Orleans with a classic Vieux Carré recipe from Neal Bodenheimer.
Sazerac
![Sazerac cocktail recipe](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/93Sd8FacVACDALNGs-80IG2CHv0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sazerac-Cocktail-FT-RECIPE0223-a2f6f4cd720e488a8614c3c57c9d38d4.jpg)
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
In 2008, the state of Louisiana passed a Senate bill (RS 1420.2 in case it ever comes up during a game of Jeopardy), making the Sazerac the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans.
Old Fashioned
![old fashioned cocktail](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/xm0_xKuEqzbFdg0dKCVh5k7xiu8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cocktail-old-fashioned-FT-0615-9912849c5d0347f3b3e310c639eefb79.jpg)
Don't be fooled by the inherent simplicity of the drink — there is room for creativity and personalization when it comes to making an Old Fashioned.
Northern Standard
![Northern Standard Cocktail Recipe](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/TZHv4HbWectZpxQmpkRdcE9Txw4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/northern-standard-cocktail-ft-recipe0420-1-210da81bf9d64fed9eb0283acd5d6759.jpg)
This drink is even better a Manhattan, thanks to three different bitter elements. Created by mixologist James Ives, the Northern Standard is a full-flavored cocktail that uses Knob Creek rye aged in charred barrels to balance out the richness of Carpano. Equally strong as it is smooth.