5 fantastic Scotch-based drinks
Discover five fantastic Scotch-based drinks that will elevate your cocktail game. From classic recipes to modern twists, these cocktails showcase the versatility and depth of Scotch whisky.
Welcome back, friends! It’s Manish, and today we’re diving into the world of Scotch cocktails. Last week, we delved deep into Scotch, and now it’s time to put that knowledge to good use by mixing up five fantastic Scotch-based drinks. We’re journeying from the late 1800s to today, each cocktail showcasing the versatility of Scotch. While you could make these drinks with just one bottle, I thought it’d be more exciting to use different whiskies for each. I’ll share the bottles I chose and why I picked them. If you missed last week’s episode on Scotch styles and regions, be sure to check it out. Ready to get mixing?
Let’s head to the bar!
Now, let’s get started with our Scotch cocktails!
1. Morning Glory Fizz Scotch Cocktail
Dating back to the late 1800s, this Scotch-based cocktail with a touch of absinthe was originally a hangover cure.
Morning Glory Fizz
Equipment
- fine strainer
- Shaker ( Boston shaker )
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Scotch I’m using a light and smooth blend like AnCnoc
- ¾ oz semi-rich simple syrup 1.5 parts sugar to 1 part water
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz fresh lime juice optional
- 1 barspoon 5 ml absinthe
- Egg white or ¾ oz aquafaba for a vegan option
Instructions
Instructions:
- Dry shake (without ice) the Scotch, syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, absinthe, and egg white for 15 seconds to get it frothy.
- Add ice and shake for another 15 seconds.
- Pour 1 oz of sparkling water into a chilled highball glass.
- Double strain the mixture into the glass, being careful not to overflow.
- Express orange oil across the top for a fragrant finish.
Notes
2. Affinity Scotch Cocktail
From the early 1900s, the Affinity Cocktail is like a perfect Rob Roy with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.
Affinity Cocktail
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz Scotch I’m using a smoky, briny Talisker
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- ¾ oz dry or blanc vermouth I prefer blanc
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients.
- Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Express lemon oil over the top.
Notes
3. Bobby Burns
Similar to the Affinity but stronger on the whiskey, this cocktail uses a light Highland single malt.
Bobby Burns
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Scotch Aberfeldy 12, smooth and light
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- ½ oz Benedictine
Instructions
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Express lemon oil over the top.
Notes
4. Penicillin
A modern classic from 2005, the Penicillin combines two types of Scotch for a complex, refreshing drink.
Penicillin
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 oz blended malt Scotch Monkey Shoulder
- ¾ oz honey syrup 3 parts honey to 1 part water
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz smoky Islay Scotch Laphroaig 10
- 3-4 slices of fresh ginger
Instructions
Instructions:
- Muddle ginger slices in a shaker tin.
- Add the blended Scotch, honey syrup, lemon juice, and Islay Scotch.
- Add ice and shake for 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a lowball glass over ice.
- Garnish with candied ginger.
Notes
5. The Tartan Cocktail
My original creation, this drink is a blend of a Rob Roy and a Rusty Nail with a touch of Amaro.
The Tartan Cocktail
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Scotch Eddu Ten, a heavier Highland single malt
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- ¼ oz Drambuie
- ¼ oz Amaro Ramazzotti
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Express orange oil over the top.
Notes
Read More Article – Who created the cosmopolitan cocktail
