I Love a Good Old Fashioned, But These 8 Cocktails Are Better for Parents Night Out

Many parents like to put their kids to bed or get a sitter and then sit back, relax, and enjoy a great cocktail. If you're like us, your beverage of choice has always been a good old fashioned. However, we're always open to trying something new. Through our research, we have learned that while an old fashioned is an excellent choice, there are many other cocktails that are better for parents' night out (or parents night in!)

Whether it's one of the classics, like a whiskey sour or mint julep, or something completely different, we have you covered. There are also many similar cocktails on this list that you may not have heard of before, like the Boulevardier or Sazerac. We'll tell you about some of the cocktails we prefer and what ingredients you need to make them at home.

This post was updated in May 2025 to include updated information about each cocktail.

The whiskey sour is one of the cocktails many people love more than the old fashioned. It has wide appeal and it's ideal as a summer drink, though it's really good any time of year. Make sure to add a cherry so you get a special treat at the end that is soaked in flavor. This is a great drink for the beginner because it's easy to make and not too overpowering.

• Ingredients: Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters, garnish

There are some variations that you can try when preparing a whiskey sour. However, we recommend shaking ice, one ounce of simple syrup, one ounce of lemon juice, and two ounces of your favorite whiskey. Pour it out and add your preferred garnish on top. A cherry or orange peel typically does the trick. Egg white is also an optional ingredient that can give the drink a frothy texture.

The boulevardier is a tasty drink with a name that rolls off the tongue. It's full of complex flavors, but beware that it may hit you hard due to the various liquors involved. This is a cocktail that's made for sipping, and you'll look fancy while enjoying it.

• Ingredients: Whiskey, sweet vermouth, Campari, garnish

To prepare a good boulevardier, you'll want to get 1 ounce of vermouth, 1.5 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of Campari, and a garnish, which is typically an orange or lemon peel. Add all of the liquids and some ice into the container and shake for 45 seconds. Pour your perfect drink over ice, add the garnish, and sip slowly.

The Monte Carlo has been around since 1948, and it's a favorite of people who want something different than the old fashioned. This tasty cocktail is similar to an old fashioned because it maintains the rye base, but it offers a new sweetening component. You could also call this drink a riff on the Manhattan. If you're looking for something new, consider giving it a try.

• Ingredients: Rye whiskey, Benedictine, bitters, garnish

The recipe for a Monte Carlo is simple, and in five minutes, you'll be enjoying your beverage. To get started, gather some ice, 2 ounces of rye whiskey, half an ounce of Benedictine, and two dashes of your favorite aromatic bitters. We recommend Peychaud's. Then, mix it together for at least 30 seconds. Finally, pour it into a glass and garnish it with a cherry.

Of course, if you like the idea of a drink that contains sweetness and whiskey, then you could always go with the classic Manhattan. The main component of a good Manhattan is vermouth. That's an old ingredient that many people don't touch if they're unfamiliar with it, but it's a nice companion to rye whisky in the drink.

• Ingredients: Rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, garnish

The perfect Manhattan requires the best ingredients. Start with 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and two dashes of Angostura bitters. Add all of your lovely ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice, and shake for 30+ seconds. Then, for maximum enjoyment, pour your drink into a chilled glass. Finally, add a cherry or lemon twist for garnish.

For something a bit different that's still similar to the old fashioned, consider the mint julep. The mint adds a nice hint of freshness that's hard to ignore. Many mint juleps are served in a small metal cup that allows the ice to keep the drink cooler and flavorful for longer. This is a lighter drink that you enjoy more for the flavor and less for the alcohol.

• Ingredients: Bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, crushed ice

To create the perfect mint julep, start with the ingredients. Gather half an ounce of simple syrup, 2 ounces of bourbon, eight mint leaves, sprigs of garnish, and a good amount of crushed ice. Find a chilled julep cup, and add the mint leaves and simple syrup. Then, add the bourbon and the right amount of crushed ice. Mix it up with a bar spoon or swizzle stick.

One of the closest beverages to the old fashioned is a nice glass of Sazerac. This is a similar whiskey-based drink that includes bitters and a sugar cube. However, it's a bit more complex, in a good way. There are a lot of great flavors and it's a very refreshing drink.

• Ingredients: Rye whiskey, sugar cube, bitters, absinthe, lemon peel

There are many different recipes you can follow to create the perfect Sazerac. They use a few more ingredients than some of the other drinks on this list, but it's still an easy beverage to make. The ingredient list includes absinthe, one sugar cube, a 1/2 teaspoon of cold water, four dashes of Peychaud’s bitters, and 2 1/2 ounces of rye whiskey. Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and stir for 20 seconds. Then add a lemon peel as a garnish.

You may have heard of this cocktail if you enjoy the New Orleans bar scene. This incredible cocktail is made possible due to a combination of cognac, rye whiskey, and sweet vermouth. The drink provides a taste similar to an old fashioned but it has a richer flavor that's silky smooth as it goes down.

• Ingredients: Whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, bitters, cherry or lemon garnish

Here's how to make a good vieux carre cocktail: Gather 3/4 ounce of dry whiskey, 3/4 ounce cognac, 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth, 2 teaspoons Benedictine liqueur, and 4 dashes of your preferred bitters. Mix it all in a glass and stir until everything is chilled. Then, pour it into a fresh glass and add a garnish. We like a cherry or lemon twist.

Yes, other cocktails are better than an old fashioned, including the Negroni. This is a tasty cocktail with a lot of complex flavors. With one sip, you get a hint of citrus. On the next sip, you'll get a deeply bitter but flavorful taste. This cocktail can be a bit heavy on alcohol, but in the end, it's worth the flavor.

• Ingredients: Gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, carbonated water, lemon or orange peel

If you've never tried a Negroni cocktail, make one at home and see what you're missing. Gather together the following ingredients: 3/4 ounce of Campari, 3/4 ounce of gin, and 3/4 ounce of carbonated water. Combine it all in a glass over ice. Top it off with a lemon wedge garnish. Sip carefully, relax, and enjoy.