First of all, I recognise that there’s a bit of a mental leap to be taken here from watching a show about barely functional alcoholics and then being inspired to do a post about whisky, but… What’s my excuse? I guess this one’s for all the people who love Sharp Objects, don’t have a drinking problem, and like cocktails… Like me!

But anyway, I’ve fallen in love with Sharp Objects recently, and it doesn’t take someone with a great deal of observation powers to notice they drink an awful lot of whiskey. Maker’s Mark, in particular. So being the obedient little consumer I am I purchased a bottle and decided to experiment with a couple of whisky cocktails!

(Note: the difference between ‘whisky’ and ‘whiskey’ is that whisky is from Scotland, and whiskey comes from everywhere else. But Maker’s Mark uses ‘whisky’ on its label, because the process the company uses is similar to Scotch. But it’s a Bourbon. Bourbon is America’s only native spirit, and has to be made with 51% corn, aged in new barrels which have been charred on the inside to impart flavour. So I’m calling this post ‘Whiskey Cocktails’ but I’m making it with Maker’s Mark Whisky, and everyone just needs to calm down, especially me.)

To experience that bleary-eyed, self-destructive, damaged-journalist-with-a-spooky-past, Wind Gap taste, get a short glass and pour a finger of Maker’s Mark into it. Take a sip and think about how it tastes like regrets and bad decisions. This was a bad idea. Use it in a cocktail instead.

Whiskey Sour

• 2 parts Maker’s Mark
• 1 part lemon juice
• 1/2 part sugar syrup
• 1/2 part egg white
• Ice
• Garnish: cherry and orange slice

Put ice and all ingredients except the garnishes into a shaker and mix hard for 30 seconds. Strain into a glass and add garnishes.

Old Fashioned

• 1 shot Maker’s Mark
• 1 sugar cube
• Angostura Bitters
• Large ice cube
• Garnish: cherry and orange slice

Put the sugar cube into your serving glass, and add a couple of dashes of the bitters. Crush the cube with a spoon and add a splash of water to dissolve. Then pour over the whisky, add an ice cube, and the garnish.

Maple Old Fashioned

• 1 shot Maker’s Mark
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Angostura Bitters
• Large ice cube
• Garnish: Orange peel

Mix the whisky, maple syrup and bitters together in your glass with a splash of water until dissolved. Add ice and garnish.

So, what do you think? Even if you’re not a whiskey (or whisky) lover you might find a good favourite here… Drink along with your favourite show, and if you’re watching Sharp Objects and you take a shot every time someone says “Amma!”, you will need to take a break halfway through for a liver transplant.

Shop the story: Oliver Bonas marble and rose gold barware / Catcus glass (past season, similar here) / Maker’s Mark / Arrow picks (past season West Elm) / Sharp Objects

Some links are affiliate.