Scotch Cocktails: Blending Tradition with Modern Mixology

Scotch whisky, with its rich history and complex flavour profile, has long been enjoyed neat or on the rocks. However, it’s also a versatile spirit in the cocktail world, lending its unique character to a range of delicious concoctions. From the smoky notes of Islay Scotch to the nutty sweetness of blended Scotch whisky, there’s a Scotch cocktail for every palate.

Here are some of our favourite scotch cocktails for you to try out, showcasing all the scotch cocktails that highlight the richness, smokiness, and versatility of Scotch.

Classic Scotch Whisky Cocktails

The Rusty Nail

A simple yet elegant classic, the Rusty Nail combines Scotch, usually a blended Scotch, with Drambuie, a honey and herb-infused liqueur. Served over ice in an old-fashioned glass, it’s garnished with a lemon twist. For a cherry-forward flavour, cherry liqueur can be added, enhancing the overall taste and appeal.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blended Scotch whisky
• 1/2 oz Drambuie
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist for garnish

Method:

Chill the Glass: Start by chilling an old-fashioned glass. You can do this by placing the glass in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water and setting it aside while you prepare the cocktail.

Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the blended Scotch whisky and Drambuie. The traditional ratio is about 4 parts Scotch to 1 part Drambuie, but you can adjust it according to your taste.

Stir: Add a handful of ice cubes to the mixing glass. Use a bar spoon to stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. Stirring cools the drink and dilutes it slightly, smoothing out the flavours.

Prepare the Serving Glass: Discard the ice water from the old-fashioned glass if you used it for chilling. Fill the glass with fresh ice cubes.

Strain the Drink: Strain the mixed drink into the prepared old-fashioned glass over the ice. A bar strainer can be used to ensure a smooth pour.

Garnish: Take a lemon peel, and twist it over the drink to release the oils. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and then drop it into the drink as a garnish.

Serve: The Rusty Nail is ready to be enjoyed. It’s best sipped slowly to savour the sweet, herbal complexity of Drambuie complementing the Scotch.

Rob Roy

Similar to a Manhattan but made with Scotch instead of bourbon, the Rob Roy is a classic cocktail that blends Scotch with sweet vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters. It’s typically garnished with a maraschino cherry or a twist of lemon peel.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky (preferably a blended Scotch)
• 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherry or lemon peel for garnish

Method:

Chill the Glass: Start by chilling a cocktail glass. You can do this either by putting the glass in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare your ingredients.

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The classic Rob Roy is made with more Scotch than vermouth, but you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste.

Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the ingredients together. Unlike shaking, stirring will gently mix the cocktail while maintaining its clarity and texture.

Strain into Glass: Discard the ice from your chilled cocktail glass. Strain the mixed ingredients into the glass. A bar strainer can help achieve a smooth pour without any ice chips.

Garnish: Garnish your cocktail with a maraschino cherry or a twist of lemon peel. To use a lemon peel, twist it over the glass to release its oils, then run it around the rim of the glass and add it to the drink.

Serve: Present the Rob Roy cocktail. It’s a sophisticated drink that balances the smokiness of Scotch with the sweetness of vermouth and the complexity of bitters.

Scotch Sour

For those who enjoy a citrusy zing, the Scotch Sour is perfect. This cocktail mixes Scotch whisky with lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and sometimes an egg white for a frothy top. It’s shaken in a cocktail shaker and served in a chilled glass.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky (single malt or blended Scotch can be used)
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Simple syrup
• Egg white (optional, for frothiness)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish

Method:

Prepare the Glass: Begin by chilling a cocktail glass. Place it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: If you’re using egg white, add it to the cocktail shaker first. Then add the Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The egg white is optional but adds a smooth, silky texture and frothiness to the drink.

Dry Shake (If Using Egg White): If you included egg white, first perform a dry shake (shaking without ice) to emulsify the egg white. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

Add Ice and Shake Again: Fill the shaker with ice and shake the mixture vigorously again. This second shake chills the drink and creates a nice froth if you’re using egg white.

Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass. If you used egg white, you’ll notice a nice layer of froth on top.

Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry. To create a lemon twist, peel a strip of lemon rind, twist it over the drink to release the oils, and place it on top or on the rim of the glass.

Enjoy: Your Scotch Sour is ready to be enjoyed. The combination of the smoky Scotch with the tanginess of the lemon and the sweetness of the syrup makes for a refreshing and balanced cocktail.

Innovative Scotch Mixes

Penicillin Cocktail

A modern classic, the Penicillin combines blended Scotch whisky, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer. It’s topped with a float of smoky Islay Scotch and garnished with candied ginger, a lemon peel, or orange zest.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blended Scotch whisky
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz Honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
• 1/4 oz Smoky Islay Scotch (for floating)
• Ginger beer (to top off)
• Ice cubes
• Candied ginger or lemon peel for garnish

Method: Use a Cocktail Shaker

Prepare the Honey Syrup: Mix equal parts honey and warm water to create honey syrup. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Let it cool before using.

Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the blended Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. The blend of honey and lemon adds both sweetness and tartness, balancing the Scotch’s flavours.

Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously. This not only chills the drink but also helps to integrate the flavours.

Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. The rocks glass is ideal for this type of cocktail, as it allows the flavors to mingle perfectly.

Top with Islay Scotch: Carefully float the Islay Scotch on top of the drink. The smoky Islay Scotch adds a layer of complexity and a smoky aroma. To float the Scotch, pour it gently over the back of a spoon onto the drink.

Add Ginger Beer: Top off the cocktail with a splash of ginger beer. The ginger beer adds a spicy kick and effervescence that complements the Scotch’s robust flavour.

Garnish: Garnish with a piece of candied ginger or a lemon peel. To release more flavour, you can twist the lemon peel over the drink to express its oils before adding it as a garnish.

Enjoy: Your Penicillin cocktail is ready to savour. This modern classic is perfect for those who love a drink with depth, combining the warmth of Scotch with the zing of lemon and ginger.

Hot Toddy

Perfect for cold nights, the Hot Toddy is a warming drink made with Scotch, honey, hot water, and lemon. A cinnamon stick or a clove-studded lemon peel can be added for extra spice.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Scotch whisky (single malt or blended)
• 1 tbsp Honey (or to taste)
• 4 oz Hot water
• 2-3 Cloves
• 1 Lemon peel
• Optional: 1 Cinnamon stick

Method:

Prepare the Mug: Choose a heat-proof mug or glass for serving the Hot Toddy. Pre-warming the mug can enhance the experience. Simply rinse it with hot water before making the drink.

Mix Ingredients: Add the Scotch whisky and honey to the mug. The amount of honey can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.

Add Hot Water: Pour the hot water into the mug. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the honey dissolves evenly in the water.

Spice It Up: Stud a strip of lemon peel with cloves and add it to the mug. If you enjoy additional spice, add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and flavour.

Stir and Infuse: Stir the drink gently with the cinnamon stick or a spoon to mix all the ingredients. Allow it to sit for a minute or two, letting the flavours of the lemon, cloves, and cinnamon infuse into the drink.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a slice of lemon or an additional cinnamon stick, if desired. The Hot Toddy is now ready to be enjoyed.

Enjoy: Sip the Hot Toddy slowly to savour the warming and soothing effects. It’s perfect for relaxing on a cold evening or soothing a sore throat.

Scotch and Soda

A simple yet refreshing choice, Scotch and Soda is made by mixing Scotch whisky with club soda over ice. The light, slightly fizzy club soda doesn’t affect the taste much but helps lessen the burn of good scotch, adding a bit of bubble and fizz to the drink. It allows the flavours of the Scotch to shine through, especially when using a single malt Scotch.

Tips for Making Scotch Cocktails

Choosing the Right Scotch: The type of Scotch you choose can significantly impact the flavour of your cocktail. While single malt Scotch is known for its distinct characteristics, blended Scotch whiskies offer a more balanced profile that works well in mixed drinks.

Balancing Flavors: The key to a good Scotch cocktail is balancing the whisky’s robust flavours with the right mixers. Citrus juices like lemon or orange juice, sweet elements like honey syrup or simple syrup, and angostura or orange bitters can all help achieve this balance. Lime juice can also be used to add a refreshing and citrusy flavour, complementing the smoky and bold notes of the scotch.

Garnishing: Garnishes are more than just decorative; they can enhance the drink’s flavours. Classic garnishes for Scotch cocktails include lemon twists, orange peel, and cocktail cherries. Orange zest can also be used to add a hint of citrus flavour to the drink, enhancing its overall profile.

Serving: Scotch cocktails can be served in various glasses, from a traditional cocktail glass for a Rob Roy to an old-fashioned glass for a Rusty Nail. The choice of glass can enhance the drinking experience.

Scotch in a New Light

Scotch cocktails offer a delightful way to enjoy this traditional spirit in a more contemporary setting. Whether you prefer the classic taste of a Rusty Nail or the innovative flavours of a Penicillin cocktail, there’s a Scotch cocktail recipe to suit every taste bud. So next time you’re in the mood for a drink, consider mixing up a Scotch cocktail and enjoy the perfect blend of tradition and modern mixology.