Is there a more beloved and essential whiskey for mixing? If you were to poll any group of bartenders on the first bottle they reach for when someone orders a whiskey cocktail, we’re willing to bet Rittenhouse is a top vote getter every time. It showcases the classic peppery rye spice, to be sure, but wins you over with it’s fruity side, bringing out peach, banana, and dried fruits like apricot and raisin. The 50% abv also makes it nicely assertive in a cocktail, refusing to be buried by any vermouth or liqueurs you can throw at it.