Ah, whiskey! This complex, full of aromas and character drink, is as varied as the occasions where you could enjoy it. Whether you’re in the middle of a serious tasting, preparing a cocktail, or simply savoring a glass solo after a long day, it is essential to know how many centiliters (cl) to pour into your glass to appreciate all the subtleties of this legendary drink.
So, how to properly dose your whiskey in cl? Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to you. Hold on to your glass, here we go!
The ideal dose to savor a neat whiskey
Do you want to fully enjoy the complex aromas of your whiskey? If you are tasting a neat whiskey, without water or ice, the key is in the quantity. In general, 2 to 4 cl of whiskey are enough for a perfect tasting. Why not more? Because a small amount allows you to swirl the liquid in the glass, thus releasing all the aromas.
The right glasses for tasting
It’s all about the glass! To maximize the experience, choose a tulip-shaped glass rather than a simple tumbler. The tulip glass’s narrow neck captures the aromas, concentrates them, and sends them straight to your nostrils for a total sensory experience.
| Glass type | Recommended volume |
|---|---|
| Tulip glass | 2 to 4 cl |
| Tumbler | 3 to 5 cl |
Quick reminder: avoid filling the glass to the brim, even if you want to treat yourself. Leave a small margin to let the whiskey “breathe”. This way, you’ll be able to smell the aromas better even before taking a sip.
Serving whiskey on the rocks: how much to pour?
Ah, the ice cubes. Some will tell you it’s sacrilege, but to each his own, right? If you’re on the “whiskey on the rocks” team, you’ll need to pour a little more whiskey because the ice will inevitably dilute the drink. Counting around 4 to 5 cl is ideal here.
The ice cubes will tend to slightly numb the taste buds, so be prepared to feel a slightly softer version of your favorite whiskey. That said, some whiskeys, especially the peaty ones, reveal new facets of their flavors when slightly diluted.
Whiskey in a cocktail: the right measure
Having a gathering with friends and want to shine by preparing whiskey-based cocktails? Great! But once again, you’ll need to master the proportions.
Here are some classic cocktails and the recommended measurements for each:
- Old Fashioned: 5 cl of whiskey, a sugar cube, a few drops of Angostura, a dash of water.
- Whiskey Sour: 4 cl of whiskey, 2 cl of lemon juice, 2 cl of simple syrup.
- Manhattan: 5 cl of whiskey, 2 cl of red vermouth, a few drops of Angostura.
These cocktails are relatively easy to prepare, but be careful, the measures must be precise. Too much diluted whiskey in your cocktail and you’ll lose all the complexity of the drink. Too much alcohol and you risk “overpowering” the other ingredients.
| Cocktail | Recommended whiskey dose |
|---|---|
| Old Fashioned | 5 cl |
| Whiskey Sour | 4 cl |
| Manhattan | 5 cl |
How to pour with style and precision: essential accessories
Here, we’re getting into the pro domain. If you really want to make sure you’re not overdosing (or under-dosing) your whiskey, I recommend investing in a jigger. What is it? It’s that small instrument you’ve probably seen in the hands of bartenders to measure the exact quantity of liquid to pour.
- The jigger: It’s the ultimate precision tool. With it, you can easily measure 2 cl, 3 cl, or even 5 cl like a pro.
- The pourer spout: Even simpler. You attach it to your bottle, and it pours exactly the amount of whiskey you want. Convenient, right?
Different occasions, different doses
Whiskey is a drink that adapts to all kinds of occasions, and each occasion deserves a particular dose. Here are some suggestions to help you adjust the amount for each moment:
- For a tasting with friends: Keep it light, 3 cl per glass is enough, especially if you’re tasting several whiskeys.
- For an aperitif before dinner: 4 cl, to whet your appetite without overfilling.
- For a long solo evening: Why not a good 5 cl glass? You deserve to treat yourself after a long day.
Tips for enjoying your whiskey
- Let your whiskey breathe: Give it time to aerate after pouring it into the glass. This allows the aromas to fully develop.
- Enjoy it at the right temperature: Whiskey that is too cold will mask the aromas. The ideal temperature for tasting is around 18-20°C.
- Don’t rush: Savor each sip, take your time to appreciate the nuances and layers of flavors. Whiskey is like a good book, to be enjoyed page by page.
FAQ: Answers to the questions you are asking
How many cl in a double shot of whiskey? In general, a double shot is equivalent to 5 cl. This is the quantity served in many bars for a double whiskey.
What quantity for whiskey with water? If you want to add water to your whiskey to reduce its intensity, start by adding just a few drops. If you prefer, you can opt for a 1:1 ratio (2 cl of water for 2 cl of whiskey), but be careful not to dilute it too much.
Do I really need to use a jigger? It’s recommended if you want absolute precision, especially for cocktails. But you can also pour “by eye” if you’re used to it.
So, are you ready to pour your whiskey like a pro?
All that’s left is to practice! Whether you prefer neat whiskey, with ice, or in a cocktail, you now know how much to pour into your glass for each occasion. Remember that whiskey is above all a matter of pleasure, so dose it according to your tastes and desires!
And if you really want to impress your friends next time you bring out the bottle, share this article on your social networks or, even better, invite them to a tasting at your place. And why not offer them a complete whiskey experience with some stylish accessories like a tulip glass or a professional jigger?
