Whiskey mixers range from fizzy sodas that lengthen a drink to bitters and cherries that turn a pour into a classic cocktail. The best mixers support the whiskey instead of covering it, so they have clean flavor and good carbonation. Ginger beer, club soda, bitters and garnish cherries cover most home bar needs.
We have not used these products ourselves, so treat the descriptions as general. Please confirm the bottle size, pack count and ingredients on the current listing before buying, including any allergens. Check dates too, since drink products can have best-by limits.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Spicy ginger, neutral soda and bitter aromatics suit different drinks |
| Carbonation | Fizzy mixers keep a highball lively; flat ones fall short |
| Sweetness | Lower sweetness lets the whiskey show through, while sweeter mixers soften strong pours |
| Bottle size | Small bottles stay fresh; larger ones suit parties |
| Ingredients | Check the label if you avoid certain additives |
Specs at a Glance
| Mixer | Type | Pairs with | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever-Tree Ginger Beer | Ginger beer | Mule-style drinks | Spicy and crisp |
| Q Mixers Ginger Beer | Ginger beer | Highballs | Bold ginger style |
| Gosling’s Ginger Beer | Ginger beer | Dark and Stormy style | Sweeter, rich flavor |
| Fever-Tree Club Soda | Club soda | Whiskey highballs | Neutral bubbles |
| Angostura Aromatic Bitters | Bitters | Old Fashioneds | A few dashes only |
| Luxardo Maraschino Cherries | Garnish | Old Fashioneds, Manhattans | Dark, rich cherries |
The 6 Best Whiskey Mixers
1. Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer
A well known premium ginger beer with a sharp, spicy bite. It is popular for whiskey mules and long drinks, and it pairs well with a squeeze of lime and plenty of ice.
Suits: whiskey mules. Strengths: a lively, spicy taste. Weaknesses: ginger heat can be strong. Skip it if you prefer a sweeter soda.
View Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer on Amazon
2. Q Mixers Spectacular Ginger Beer
A craft mixer brand with a clear, ginger-forward profile and bold carbonation. It works in highballs and mules, and its bold carbonation holds up well over ice.
Suits: spicy highballs. Strengths: bold ginger flavor. Weaknesses: it is not the sweetest. Skip it if you dislike spice.
View Q Mixers Spectacular Ginger Beer on Amazon
3. Gosling’s Ginger Beer
A rich, sweeter ginger beer associated with rum cocktails. It also works well with smoky or spicy whiskeys, where the sweetness helps balance heat.
Suits: sweeter long drinks. Strengths: a rounded, rich taste. Weaknesses: it can be heavy. Skip it if you want a dry mixer.
View Gosling’s Ginger Beer on Amazon
4. Fever-Tree Premium Club Soda
A neutral soda that adds bubbles without changing the flavor much. It is the classic pick for a whiskey highball, where the goal is a light, refreshing drink that still tastes like whiskey.
Suits: highballs. Strengths: clean, soft bubbles. Weaknesses: plain flavor. Skip it if you want a flavored mixer.
View Fever-Tree Premium Club Soda on Amazon
5. Angostura Aromatic Bitters
A classic cocktail bitters used a few drops at a time. It adds spice and depth to Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, and one bottle lasts a long time.
Suits: classic cocktails. Strengths: a little goes a long way. Weaknesses: it is not a mixer to pour. Skip it if you want a standalone drink.
View Angostura Aromatic Bitters on Amazon
6. Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
Dark, rich cherries often used in Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. They are different from the bright red sort found on sundae toppings, with a deeper, less sugary taste.
Suits: cocktail garnish. Strengths: deep flavor and texture. Weaknesses: a jar is for garnish only. Skip it if you want a fizzy mixer.
View Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Chill bottles before mixing so the drink stays cold.
- Open ginger beer or soda only when ready to pour.
- Refrigerate opened cherries or bitters as the label advises.
- Store unopened mixers in a cool, dark cupboard away from sunlight and heat.
- Use a clean spoon each time you reach for cherries.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much mixer and drowning the whiskey.
- Opening carbonated bottles too early.
- Pouring bitters by the splash instead of dashes.
- Using a very sweet mixer with a sweet whiskey.
- Ignoring best-by dates.
Whiskey Mixer FAQ
What is the best mixer for whiskey?
It depends on taste. Club soda keeps things simple, while ginger beer adds spice.
Should I mix good whiskey?
A light mixer like soda lets the whiskey show through, while a stronger one suits bolder pours. Many people keep their best bottle for sipping and use a reliable everyday bottle for highballs and mules.
How much bitters do I need?
Usually just a few dashes. Check the recipe for the drink.
Do I need ice?
Most highballs are better chilled with ice. For an Old Fashioned, a large cube or sphere melts slowly and keeps the drink from turning watery too fast.
The Short Version
Pick by the drink you make most often. For spicy ginger, the Fever-Tree. For bold ginger, the Q Mixers. For sweeter ginger, the Gosling’s. For soda, the Fever-Tree Club Soda. For cocktails, the Angostura. For garnish, the Luxardo.