Perfect for enjoying on your own or wowing your friends with, these classic (and not so classic) cocktail recipes are a great way to appreciate Scotch whisky, even if you don't usually drink it.
(Submitted by Ibon Mendiguren, Brand Ambassador at Loch Lomond Group)
Picture: Pexels.com
Description:
Ibon said: “Although a dram of whisky alone is a treat for many people’s palates, not everybody enjoys the spirit neat. Whisky’s incredible variety of flavour profiles make it perfect for creating exciting cocktails.
“This recipe is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail that uses a combination of bitters to draw out the fruity notes from our Loch Lomond Original Whisky. The oaky finish with a subtle hint of peat and fruity flavours is a beautiful companion for the warmth and spice of haggis.”
Ingredients:
• 50ml Loch Lomond Original Single Malt Whisky
• A few drops of Angostura bitters
• Plum bitters (Replace with orange peel garnish for an original recipe Old Fashioned)
• Brown sugar cube
• Ice
Method:
In a mixing glass, soak the sugar cube in a few drops of Angostura bitters. Add a splash of Loch Lomond Original and muddle the ingredients together to create a loose paste.
Add ice cubes and stir well to blend the flavours. Fill the metal piece of a cocktail shaker with cold water and place the mixing glass inside to keep it chilled. Add more ice and the rest of the Loch Lomond Original and continue to stir.
Strain the cocktail mix from the mixing glass into a chilled glass with ice and add a couple splashes of plum bitters. Garnish the cocktail with a twist of orange peel and serve.
Picture: Viewminder\Flickr
Description:
The Scotch Whisky Association said: “A twist on a classic, this fiery cocktail is not for the faint hearted.”
Ingredients:
• 35ml of whisky (a peaty whisky will give an interesting kick to this one)
• tomato juice
• juice of half a lemon
• dash of Worcestershire sauce
• dash of Tabasco sauce
Method:
Fill a high ball tumbler with ice and then add the whisky and the tomato juice, squeeze in the juice of the lemon before adding the Worcestershire sauce.
Then add the Tabasco, the more you add the spicier the cocktail will be, and decorate with some freshly ground black pepper.
Picture: Graeme Maclean \Wikimedia
Description:
Described as basically a Scotch Manhattan, the Rob Roy is one of the most famous Scotch whisky cocktails, a true classic it's been around for more than a century and is a luxurious drink to share with friends.
Ingredients:
• 60ml Scotch Whisky - Premium blend or single malt works best (peaty whisky will give an interesting flavour)
• 25ml of a quality Sweet Vermouth
• a few dashes of Angustura Bitters
• A cherry for garnish
Method:
Mix all of the ingredients together using a shaker, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with the cherry.
(submitted by Drambuie)
Picture: Drambuie
Description:
Drambuie says: "Simple, yet complex and rewarding, The Rusty Nail sits alongside the Martini and the Old Fashioned as one of the classics of the cocktail world, but has a sweetness that makes it surprisingly accessible. Its origins in the bars and clubs of 50s New York lends old-school style and sophistication to the drink.
"Cocktail authority Dale DeGroff suggests the status of the Rusty Nail as an alleged Rat Pack favourite may have contributed to its growth in popularity in the 60’s. It has also made an appearance in popular television series Better Call Saul.
"The traditional Rusty Nail remains a popular serve, and has been featured in the Difford’s Guide Top 100 Cocktails and is listed by the International Bartender’s Association in their ‘Unforgettables’ category."
Ingredients:
• 1 part (recommended 25ml) Drambuie
• 1 Large rock of ice
• 1 individual Lemon Twist
• 2 parts (recommended 50ml) Scotch Whisky
Method:
Build over ice in a rocks glass and stir. Garnish with a lemon twist.
(submitted by the Scotch Whisky Association)
Picture: Kenn Wilson\Flickr
Description:
The SWA said: “A wonderfully refreshing classic.”
Ingredients:
• 50ml whisky of your choice (we recommend a decent blend, though nothing too smokey – unless you want to experiment)
• Half a lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• soda water
Method:
Pour the whisky – over ice – into an old fashioned whisky glass (the fat bottomed tumbler kind if you have one, if not any tumbler will do), then add the juice of half of the lemon and half a teaspoonful of sugar. Shake the glass before adding the soda water to serve. Garnish with a slice of lime.
