When it comes to whisky, there’s no denying the rich history and culture behind this iconic spirit. But while many of us are familiar with enjoying a dram of Scotch on its own, there’s a whole world of delicious cocktails waiting to be explored. In fact, some of the most classic and beloved cocktail recipes rely heavily on the smooth, smoky flavor of fine Scotch whisky.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through 18 timeless Scotch cocktail recipes that are sure to delight even the most discerning palate. From Rob Roy to Penicillin, and from Rusty Nail to Smoky Martini, these classic concoctions showcase the versatility and complexity of Scotland’s national spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky aficionado or just looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered with our carefully curated selection of Scotch cocktails that are sure to become your new go-to drinks.
Rob Roy
Rob Roy Recipe: A Classic Scotch Cocktail
The Rob Roy is a variation of the Old Fashioned cocktail that uses scotch whisky instead of bourbon or rye. This recipe combines the smoky flavors of scotch with sweet and tangy notes from the vermouth and bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz scotch whisky
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the scotch, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, if desired, and discard.
Cooking Time:
– None required! This cocktail is ready in under 1 minute.
Enjoy your Rob Roy!
Blood and Sand
This refreshing cocktail has been a staple of bars since the Roaring Twenties, with its unique blend of spirits, citrus, and spices. Blood and Sand is perfect for hot summer days or any occasion where you want to make a statement.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz scotch whisky
– 1 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– Juice of 1 orange
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Splash of grenadine
– Ice
– Orange twist or cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, scotch whisky, cherry liqueur, orange juice, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add a splash of grenadine and stir gently.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 2 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Penicillin
This timeless cocktail has been a staple of bars since the 1930s. With its perfect balance of sweet and sour, you’ll be hooked from the first sip.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces blended whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 ounce honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in under 2 minutes.
Scotch Old Fashioned
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and complex Scotch Old Fashioned recipe, perfect for a sophisticated evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz scotch whisky (preferably a peated or smoky variety)
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine scotch whisky, sugar, and bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all.
Godfather
This classic lasagna recipe is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, just like the iconic film that shares its name. With its rich flavors and hearty portions, it’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
3. In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce, ground beef, onion, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the lasagna by spreading a layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, then ricotta mixture, and finally another layer of meat sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail that combines the smoothness of whiskey with the bold flavor of Drambuie. This simple yet elegant drink is perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Scotch whisky
– 1/2 oz Drambuie
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour the Scotch whisky over the ice.
3. Add the Drambuie and stir briefly to combine.
4. Express a lemon twist or wheel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Bobby Burns
The Bobby Burns is a timeless cocktail that combines the smooth flavors of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters for a perfect drink to warm up on a chilly evening. This recipe serves one.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Scotch whisky
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Scotch whisky and sweet vermouth.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, if desired, and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail!)
Enjoy your Bobby Burns!
Smoky Martini
Experience the bold flavors of a classic martini with a smoky twist. This Smoky Martini recipe combines the smoothness of vodka, the richness of whiskey, and the subtle smokiness of mezcal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz mezcal
– 1/2 oz whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1/4 oz dry vermouth
– Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, mezcal, and whiskey.
3. Add a dash of dry vermouth.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with a green olive or lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None
Highland Sour
A refreshing twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, the Highland Sour combines the smooth flavors of Scotch whisky with a touch of honey and lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Scotch whisky ( Highland single malt recommended)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Scotch whisky, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Scotch Manhattan
A classic cocktail that combines the richness of Scotch whisky with the bold flavors of sweet vermouth and bitters, perfect for sipping on a cold evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Scotch whisky (such as Glenfiddich or Macallan)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Maraschino cherry and orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking recipe.
Whisky Smash
This refreshing cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring the richness of whisky and the tanginess of citrus. With its fizzy twist, Whisky Smash is sure to quench your thirst on any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Blended Scotch whisky
– 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3-4 oz Club soda
– Handful of ice
– Lemon wheel or twist for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently to create a frothy head.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.
Cooking Time: None
Smoky Rob Roy
Sip on this smoky twist of a classic Rob Roy cocktail, blending the smoothness of whiskey with the spicy kick of smoked paprika-infused simple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Blended Whiskey (bourbon and scotch)
– 1/2 oz Smoked Paprika Simple Syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
– 1/2 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura Bitters
Smoked Paprika Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup Water
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
– Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and cool.
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, smoked paprika simple syrup, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
3. Add a dash of Angostura Bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Scotch Negroni
Elevate your classic Negroni game with this Scotch-infused twist, adding a smoky depth to the timeless cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces Scotch whisky (Highland or Islay work well)
– 1 ounce sweet vermouth
– 1/2 ounce Campari
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Campari over the ice.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a thin slice of orange peel over the drink, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Black Watch
This classic cocktail gets its name from the iconic Scottish tartan pattern, and its unique flavor profile is sure to leave you feeling like a proud member of the Black Watch regiment. With a balance of sweet and sour flavors, this drink is perfect for sipping on a cold evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whisky (such as Glenfiddich or Glenmorangie)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whisky, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: N/A
Laphroaig Project
This smoky twist on the classic Moscow Mule is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. The peated whiskey from Laphroaig adds depth and complexity to this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Laphroaig Quarter Cask Whiskey
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of rosemary or thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the Laphroaig whiskey and top with ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to drink as soon as you mix the ingredients together.
Smoky Cider
Elevate your fall gatherings with this unique twist on traditional cider. Smoky Cider combines the warmth of smoky flavors with the crispness of apple cider, creating a drink that’s perfect for cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider and water.
2. Add smoked paprika, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Strain the cider into a large pitcher or individual mugs.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Scotch and Soda
This classic cocktail combines the smoky flavor of scotch with the crispness of ginger ale, making it a perfect drink for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create this unique and delicious concoction in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces scotch whisky
– 4 ounces ginger ale
– Slice of lemon or lime (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the scotch whisky.
3. Top with ginger ale and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a slice of lemon or lime over the drink, if desired, and drop it in.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Glenfiddich Mule
This refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines the smooth, rich flavors of Glenfiddich Scotch whisky with the spicy kick of ginger beer and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky
– 4 oz Ginger Beer
– Juice of 1 Lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Summary
Discover 18 classic Scotch cocktail recipes perfect for whisky lovers. From Rob Roy to Smoky Cider, this collection features a range of drinks that showcase the rich flavors and complexities of Scotch whisky. Whether you’re looking for a classic Old Fashioned or something more adventurous like the Blood and Sand, there’s something for everyone in this list. With ingredients and instructions provided for each recipe, you’ll be sipping on your new favorite cocktail in no time.
