Today is World Whiskey Day.

Yes, that's right: there's a day to celebrate all things whiskey - and we couldn't think of a better way to kick off this weekend. If straight whiskey isn’t for you, then cocktails can be a great way to find your way in the whiskey world. Thankfully, the folks at Bushmills have put together some delicious cocktail recipes to try this World Whiskey Day.

BLACK BUSH OLD FASHIONED

The original whiskey cocktail, the Old Fashioned is a timeless serve that oozes character and confidence. Using Bushmills Black Bush, the Angostura bitters and hint of orange in the cocktail draws out the rich flavours in the whiskey with every sip, making it the perfect tipple every time. Ingredients 

• 50ml Black Bush Irish Whiskey
• 1 teaspoon of Demerara sugar syrup*
• 2 dashes of Angosturabitters
• Orange peel
• Ice

Method In a mixing glass, slowly stir the Black Bush, sugar syrup and Angosturabitters over ice until chilled. Strain over fresh ice in a chilled rocks glass and garnish with the orange peel. *to make the sugar syrup, simmer 1 cup of unrefined Demerara sugar with 1 cup of water until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow to cool and decant into a glass bottle.

BUSHMILLS BLACK BUSH HIGH BALL

The Bushmills Black Bush High Ball puts a refreshing Spring twist on a simple whiskey serve. Sparkling soda water balances the velvety smooth character of Black Bush while the zesty wedge of orange to garnish brings the rich, fruity notes of the whiskey to the fore. Ingredients 

• 35ml of Bushmills Black Bush
• 125ml of soda water
• 1 orange wedge / twist
• Ice

Method Pour Black Bush into a Collins glass and fill with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a wedge or twist of orange and serve.

BUSHMILLS ORIGINAL IRISH COFFEE

An Irish Coffee is always the perfect evening tipple with friends. Flavourful and aromatic coffee is enhanced and balanced by sweet, warm vanilla notes of Bushmills Original, with the cream complementing the whiskey’s well-rounded taste and velvety smooth character. Ingredients 

• 35ml Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey
• 15ml Demerara sugar syrup
• Black coffee / Americano
• Double cream float

Method Pre-heat a glass and make one Americano coffee. Add 35ml Bushmills Original, demerara syrup and coffee to the glass and mix.  Add cream float on top, serve. Photos via Bushmills.