14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (2024)

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14 Scotch co*cktail recipes to show how well the spirit works in mixed drinks.

By

Rabi Abonour

14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (1)

Rabi Abonour

Rabi Abonour is a planner specializing in transportation, but has also been a photojournalist, writer, and editor for several online and print publications.

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Published February 07, 2019

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14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (2)

Scotch isn't the most common spirit for co*cktails—with a mix of peaty, smoky, and malty flavors, it can be tricky to pair with other ingredients. Add to that the high price tag of a good single malt and it's no wonder that most people choose to drink their Scotch with nothing more than a little water. But with ingredients that complement the whisky's peat, smoke, and herbal character, there's no reason you can't make delicious co*cktails with it. We've rounded up 14 recipes to give you an introduction to Scotch co*cktails, from a classic Rob Roy and a summery frozen Blood and Sand to a chai-infused punch.

Note: Scotch can get pricey quick, but for mixing you shouldn't feel the need to reach for your best bottle. Check out our guide to affordable Scotch for some solid options.

  • Rob Roy

    Let's start with the most famous Scotch co*cktail around: the Rob Roy. This classic drink is made just like a Manhattan—two parts whisky, one part sweet vermouth, and a couple dashes of Angostura bitters—but with Scotch replacing the rye or bourbon. A maraschino cherry is the most traditional garnish, but we think that an orange twist plays especially well with Scotch.

    Get the recipe for Rob Roy

  • Drunk Uncle

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (4)

    This smoky, spirituous co*cktail pairs peaty Islay Scotch with bittersweet, vegetal Cynar and sweet, citrusy vermouth. We go with Martini & Rossi Bianco, which balances out the assertive Cynar without overpowering the whisky. Garnish with a grapefruit twist to highlight the citrusy notes of the vermouth.

    Get the recipe for Drunk Uncle

  • 100-Year-Old Cigar

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (5)

    This drink has a somewhat intimidating ingredient list, but everything comes together just right. Honeyed Bénédictine sweetens the aged rum, an absinthe rinse brings out the herbal side of the Cynar, and a mix of Cynar and Scotch (use something peaty like Laphroaig) give the drink a savory, almost leathery flavor.

    Get the recipe for 100-Year-Old Cigar

  • Improved Scotch co*cktail

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (6)

    We turn to Bénédictine to sweeten this co*cktail, too, along with caramelly demerrara syrup. The recipe only calls for one-eighth of an ounce of each for two ounces of Scotch, which is enough for their flavors to come out without the sweetness getting out of hand. We'd recommend a moderately smoky Scotch here, but you can use something more or less intense depending on your own taste.

    Get the recipe for Improved Scotch co*cktail

    Continue to 5 of 14 below.

  • Zucca Sprezzatura

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (7)

    Rabarbaro Zucca is a fairly sweet amaro with a slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with Scotch. We use mild blended Scotch in this highball (too much peat will overwhelm the amaro), plus grapefruit bitters and bitter lemon soda. You might not be able to find bitter lemon soda, in which case you can use a mixture of tonic and fresh lemon juice instead.

    Get the recipe for Zucca Sprezzatura

  • Mr. Howell

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (8)

    Scotch plays a supporting role in this co*cktail as well, giving a daiquiri a savory edge. That's not the only change to the classic recipe—we sweeten the co*cktail with maple syrup instead of sugar to give it a deeper, richer flavor. You can use your choice of golden rum here—we're partial to Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, which has a dark flavor that works wonderfully with the syrup.

    Get the recipe for Mr. Howell

  • 9 Ladies Dancing Punch

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (9)

    Malty, smoky blended Scotch is a great base for a cold-weather punch. Here we pair the whisky with spicy chai tea, nutty Lustau East India Solera Sherry, and an aromatic vanilla cinnamon syrup. For even more spice we mix in a healthy dose of Angostura bitters.

    Get the recipe for 9 Ladies Dancing Punch

  • Sweater Weather Punch

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (10)

    We mix blended Scotch and sherry again for this punch, pairing the spirits with an herbal Czech liqueur called Becherovka. This is a great option for people who don't think they like Scotch—the whisky adds a malty backbone to the punch without being overly assertive.

    Get the recipe for Sweater Weather Punch

    Continue to 9 of 14 below.

  • Scotch, Sherry, and Concord co*cktail

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (11)

    Don't put that bottle of oloroso sherry away without making this co*cktail, which mixes it with Scotch and Concord grape syrup. All three ingredients here are on the assertive side but blend together remarkably well—the jammy syrup stands up to the whisky and the nutty sherry ties everything together.

    Get the recipe for Scotch, Sherry, and Concord co*cktail

  • Frozen Blood and Sand

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (12)

    Scotch is probably the last spirit you associate with blender drink, but this refreshing twist on the old-school Blood and Sand might just change that. The co*cktail is traditionally made with orange juice, Cherry Heering, and sweet vermouth, but because blending a drink with ice dilutes the ingredients, we replace the Cherry Heering with rich Luxardo cherry syrup and reinforce the orange juice with Grand Marnier.

    Get the recipe for Frozen Blood and Sand

  • Rusty Nail

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (13)

    co*cktails don't get much simpler than the Rusty Nail—the recipe is nothing more than a mix of blended Scotch and Drambuie (a honey liqueur itself made from Scotch), plus a dash of Angostura bitters if you want to go crazy. You'll often find the drink made with equal parts Scotch and Drambuie, but we like to use a much drier 4:1 ratio typical in older recipes for the drink.

    Get the recipe for Rusty Nail

  • The Godfather

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (14)

    The Godfather is a close relative to the Rusty Nail—it's made with just Scotch and amaretto. As with the Rusty Nail we think the drink can easily become too sweet, so we dial back the almond-flavored amaretto and use the same 4:1 ratio.

    Get the recipe for The Godfather

    Continue to 13 of 14 below.

  • Vasco de Gama

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (15)

    For a taste of fall, try this co*cktail that combines bourbon, Scotch, and a garam masala-spiced apple syrup made with a variety of toasted spices. We love mixing bourbon and Scotch because you get a little bit of smoke and peat without the drink being too intense.

    Get the recipe for Vasco de Gama

  • The Cure-All

    14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (16)

    This recipe takes the Penicillin—a classic Scotch co*cktail flavored with lemon and ginger—and adds a shot of earthy beet juice. The ginger comes in the form of Domaine de Canton liqueur, which also sweetens the drink.

    Get the recipe for The Cure-All

  • co*cktails
  • Whiskey
14 Scotch co*cktail Recipes Perfect for Both Beginners and Obsessives (2024)

FAQs

What is the best mix for scotch? ›

What To Mix With Scotch Whisky
  • Soda Water. Ah the humble highball! ...
  • Ginger Ale. A Scottish take on the 'Moscow Mule' (maybe a Montrose Mule?), ginger ale brings fizz and fire to your dram - especially great with those with honeyed notes such as Highland Park 12 Year Old. ...
  • Apple Juice. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Lemonade. ...
  • Water.
Feb 23, 2024

What's the hardest drink for a bartender to make? ›

Probably the most difficult co*cktail recipe to make and every bartender hates it - the RAMOS GIN FIZZ 🍸 60ml / 2oz Gin 15ml / 0.5oz Lemon Juice 15ml / 0.5oz Lime Juice 30ml / 1oz Heavy Cream 1 Dash Orange Blossom Water One Fresh Egg White Soda Water To Top - Shake all ingredients except soda water hard with one large ...

What is the most popular way to drink scotch? ›

Scotch is best served at room temperature

Traditionally, scotch is served with a side of spring water (tap water may interfere with the taste). Add water, if desired, little by little to your taste. If you do prefer cold scotch however, fill your glass with ice rather than adding one or two cubes.

What flavors pair well with Scotch? ›

Top 5 Simple Foods to Pair with Scotch Whisky
  • Cheese. Pair smoky or spicy Scotch whiskies, such as Laphroaig, with a stronger cheese like Roquefort. ...
  • Chocolate. Whisky is a great complement to chocolate, especially dark chocolate. ...
  • Fruit. ...
  • Pub mix. ...
  • Pork ribs.

What soda goes best with Scotch? ›

What Soda Goes Good With Scotch? Clear, unsweetened sodas are preferred in a Scotch and soda. Club soda is the easiest choice, though plain soda water out of a soda maker is excellent as well. Sparkling water tends to be less carbonated but is a good option.

How do the Scots drink their scotch? ›

Scots ask for their blended whisky by name and are served it neat (because ice makes it difficult to see if they are getting a full pour!) along with a small pitcher of water they use to cut to taste.

Should you drink scotch straight? ›

Is it better to drink whisky neat or with water? Both have their benefits. The simplest way to enjoy your whisky is neat, cleansing your palate with cool water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whisky, which can open up the flavors as the liquids combine.

What drinks annoy bartenders? ›

7 co*cktails Your Bartender Hates Making, According to Reddit
  • Sex on the Beach. ...
  • Espresso Martinis. ...
  • Dirty Martinis. ...
  • Long Island Iced Teas. ...
  • Skinny Margaritas. ...
  • Aperol Spritzes. ...
  • The “I'm Not Sure What I Want” co*cktail.
Feb 27, 2024

What is the 50 rule in bartending? ›

What's the 50% rule in bartending? The proper time to serve customers the next co*cktail is once they've consumed 50% of their drink.

What is the most requested drink at the bar? ›

1. Margarita. The classic Margarita co*cktail has been one of the most popular co*cktails in America for years and still remains on top. While there are many variations, the traditional recipe consists of tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice.

What do two fingers of scotch mean? ›

Two fingers is an old way of measuring spirits, the equivalent of two finger widths, and useful only if you do not have any other way of measuring out equal pours. It's not a particularly good unit of measure as the volume poured will vary with the diameter of the glass you're using.

What do you eat when drinking Scotch? ›

  • Meat. Whether on a platter, atop a cracker or shoved in a sandwich, meat is a great snack to enjoy with scotch. Strong, rich flavours found in whisky go perfectly with beef cuts, whilst smoky whisky blends work great with meats on the grill. ...
  • Crackers and crisps. Salty, meaty, cheesy, peppery… even prawn co*cktail-y.

How do you make Scotch taste better? ›

Try classic combos like whisky and co*ke, a whisky tonic or scotch and soda. Or add a summery twist with scotch and coconut water and whisky ice tea. Whether you're looking to add sweetness, lightness or pure bubbles, there's plenty of soft drinks that work. Find more whisky mixers to try with Ballantine's.

What is a good Scotch to drink straight? ›

These Are The 15 Smoothest Whiskeys To Drink Straight
  • Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky. ...
  • Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. ...
  • Michter's Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 10 Years Old. ...
  • The Hakushu 12-Year Single Malt Whisky. ...
  • Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Mar 14, 2024

How do you properly taste Scotch? ›

First mouthful take no notice (small). This is a marker for your palate. Second larger mouthful, close your eyes to concentrate on the flavor and chew the whisky moving it continuously around the palate. Keep your mouth slightly open to let air in and alcohol out.

What is the smoothest Scotch? ›

Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old Extremely Rare

Glenmorangie is renowned for its commitment to crafting smooth and approachable single malt Scotch whiskies.

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