Whiskey is a classic drink, and you can certainly drink straight bourbon whiskey on its own. Plenty of people have, with 2018 alone seeing $253.8 billion U.S. alcohol sales, a 5.1% increase since the year prior. But whiskey can also be mixed into some of the most iconic cocktails in the world. As the holidays set upon us and we spend more time with friends and family, you'll probably be drinking your fair share of whiskey, and you'll probably want to impress your guests with the cocktails you mix. With that in mind, let's look into some of the best ways to upgrade a glass of whiskey.

1. The Whiskey Sour

We can't miss one of the most classic whiskey cocktails in existence. A whiskey sour is simple but excellent, giving an upgrade to an already-great glass of whiskey. Think about using real maple syrup rather than simple syrup when mixing your drink. Of course, if you'd like to have a Boston sour, you can add an egg white foam topping.

2. The Whiskey Smash

So, you want another classic drink? Think about trying a whiskey smash, which dates back to the 1880s. This drink is typically made for the summer, but you can drink it at any time of year. It's mixed with lemon, mint, whiskey, and of course sweetener. Don't forget the crushed ice, though; this is meant to be a cool, refreshing drink, and should never be served anything but ice cold.

3. The Manhattan

If you're looking for something a bit more visually impressive, search no further than the Manhattan. Another old-school drink was actually invented at a club called The Manhattan Club. Simple enough, with just bourbon, vermouth, and bitters, this drink nonetheless looks and tastes great, with a dynamic flavor that everyone is sure to love.

4. The Paper Plane

What about a paper plane? Your guests may be less familiar with this drink than the ones above. It features Aperol, bourbon, and Amaro, and dates no further back than 2007. It's both bitter and sweet, with a sharp tang that drinkers typically love.

5. The Gold Rush

If a whiskey sour doesn't quite work for you, try this newer version. It's quite similar, but rather than using simple syrup or maple syrup, it utilizes honey syrup. It could be exactly what you need!