Best Whiskey Under $50 for Cocktails

You don't need to break the bank to mix a great drink. Here are our top picks for affordable, high-quality whiskey that will elevate your Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour without emptying your wallet.

When mixing cocktails, the subtle nuances of an expensive, long-aged single malt or small-batch bourbon are often lost among the bitters, vermouth, or citrus. What you need is a robust, well-balanced spirit that can stand up to other ingredients while still delivering that unmistakable whiskey character.

1. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

A staple in any home bar, Wild Turkey 101 packs a punch. The higher proof (50.5% ABV) ensures that the bourbon's bold, spicy, and vanilla notes cut through even the sweetest cocktail mixers. It's an absolute powerhouse in a Whiskey Sour, where the citrus and sugar need a strong backbone to balance them out.

2. Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond

If you're making a Manhattan, you need a good rye. Rittenhouse is widely considered the gold standard for budget-friendly rye whiskeys. Bottled-in-bond at 100 proof, it offers a peppery, spicy kick with hints of cocoa and fruit. It brings the necessary heat and complexity to classic stirred cocktails.

3. Maker's Mark

For those who prefer a softer, sweeter cocktail, this wheated bourbon is a go-to. Because it uses winter wheat instead of rye in the mash bill, Maker's Mark is exceptionally smooth with prominent notes of caramel, vanilla, and red winter wheat. It makes a remarkably approachable and delicious Old Fashioned.

4. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (White Label)

Often found for under $20, this is arguably the best value in American whiskey. Like Rittenhouse, it is 100 proof, meaning it won't get lost in your drink. It boasts classic bourbon flavors of oak, brown sugar, and caramel. It's a versatile workhorse that belongs on your bar cart.

5. Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch

If you're venturing into Scotch cocktails like the Penicillin or a Rusty Nail, Monkey Shoulder is the perfect starting point. It's a blend of three Speyside single malts, resulting in a smooth, malty, and slightly fruity flavor profile. It lacks the heavy peat smoke that can overpower some cocktails, making it incredibly mixable.