Care for a dram? A shot? A nightcap? Make it a whiskey. This tawny tradition has remained the pride and joy of the mountainous southern states for generations in spite of many challenges, such as prohibition. The Prohibition Era ushered in the practice and popularity of cocktails in the 1920s, which gave way to the art of mixology.

The modern cocktail insurgence has left many interested in the novel, rather than the familiar, cocktail, and this array of liquid amber concoctions gracefully waves at a handful of classic whiskey libations with contemporary, zesty twists. With cold nights now upon us, warm yourself with this selection of local whiskey drinks from some of the Central Valley’s hottest haunts.

Elderwood

Slow Departure | $14

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Dolin Red Vermouth, Amaro Averna, González Byass Sherry, and Bittercube Cherry BarkVanilla Bitters.

References to a Manhattan are clear, but this drink deviates with the addition of amaro, an altered ration of vermouth, and the inversion of its cherry and orange components. A micro clothes pin anchors the rind, its essence, of which, are expelled across the coupe’s surface.

Quail State

Group Hug | $15

Rye, bourbon, Oloroso, Amaro CioCiarro, and Carpano Botanic Bitter.

A slew of original concoctions rotates on the new establishment’s ever-changing menu. Hickory chips smoked into the glass and a jumbo ice cube hand-stamped with the Quail State logo serve as the perfect backdrop for this drink, which features both rye and bourbon.

Vino Grille & Spirits

Kick It Up Old Fashion | $13

Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Angostura Aromatic Bitters, sugar cube, house-brandied cheer, and flamed orange.

What makes this Old-Fashioned unique is the layering of flavors, so as to not let the spirits be diluted with shaking and stirring. Each drink is finished with a hand-flamed orange peel as well as a house-made brandied cherry, both of which rest atop a giant ice ball.

The Lime Lite

Blackberry Sour | $12

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, house-made blackberry syrup, and fresh lemon and lime juices.

This ingenious take on the Whiskey Sour uses a house-made blackberry syrup, instead of the traditional simple syrup, which is also the source of its seductive fuchsia shade. A black cherry garnish seamlessly complements the cocktail. It goes down easy and beckons you to leisurely savor each and every sip.

Max’s Bistro & Bar

Bullardier | $11

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Campari, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, and orange bitters.

Essentially a Boulevardier, this local version nods at the street and high school for which it’s named and dons a dehydrated citrus slice instead of the traditional rind. A lovely sipper, the luscious red amber color is made all the more striking against a single large ice cube.

13 Prime Steak

Triple Crown | $15

Michter’s Straight Rye Whiskey, Ferrand Cognac 1840 Original Formula, Amaro Montenegro, honey, and fresh lemon and grapefruit juices.

Inspired by two classics, the Sidecar and Brown Derby, this peach hued drink is perfectly chilled and garnished with an orange twist. The cocktail is fine and balanced, a refreshing blend of rye and cognac—spice on the lead, tart on its heels, and smooth at the finish.