Rocking and Ryeing

• Rock and rye whiskey liqueur's name holds no secrets; it advertises two of its very important ingredients, rock candy and rye whiskey. According to Saveur, early American bartenders would add rock candy to rye whiskey that hadn't yet matured to help balance the flavors. In addition to rock candy and rye whiskey, which is similar to bourbon but spicier and more bitter, rock and rye liqueur also contains citrus fruit juices such as lemon or orange juices.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

• Like many other liqueurs, rock and rye whiskey liqueur has enough flavor that it may be enjoyed on its own. Pour a shot of it on the rocks and serve it with an orange slice, or stir it in a shaker tin until chilled and serve it up like a martini with a cherry. Store rock and rye liqueur either with your other liquors in your bar or in the refrigerator to keep it chilled for a quick shot.

Rocking Cocktails

• Rock and rye whiskey liqueur works as an ingredient in many different cocktails -- both hot and cold. For a good defense against a wintry night, try a rock and rye hot toddy, which is just equal parts rock and rye liqueur and hot water with a lemon slice or twist. Two good cocktails on the cooler side are the hair raiser, which is vodka, rock and rye and lemon juice, and the rock-and-rye cocktail, which is rock and rye, white port and dry vermouth.

Do It Yourself

• To make your own rock and rye liqueur, you need only a few basic tools and ingredients -- as well as a little time. For a basic rock and rye, mix rye whiskey and rock candy, about 6 ounces of candy for every 750 milliliter bottle of whiskey, in a glass container with a resealable lid. Store it away from the sunlight for at least a week -- the longer you wait, the more flavor the whiskey will have. For more flavor, let the liqueur steep with a few orange or lemon slices.