Scotch is often overlooked as a base for cocktails, in favor of less expensive bourbons and ryes. However, with its unique flavor profile, scotch can add depth and complexity to cocktails that other spirits simply can’t match. If you’re looking to experiment and create something unique, read on for some delicious cocktail recipes that use scotch as their base.
1. Rusty Nail
Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and a perfect introduction to using scotch in cocktails. This cocktail has been in use since the 1930s and has gained its popularity worldwide. It’s made with just two ingredients, Scotch and Drambuie, a sweet whiskey liqueur. The Rusty Nail cocktail takes on a smooth and slightly smoky flavor by using Scotch. The sweetness of the Drambuie and the smokiness of scotch make it an ideal cocktail to serve after dinner. To make one serve, fill a glass with ice and add 2 oz of your favourite Scotch, then add 1 oz of Drambuie and finish with an orange zest twist.
2. Penicillin Cocktail
The Penicillin Cocktail is a modern take on a Scotch whisky sour. This cocktail is designed to cure whatever ails you, and it’s one of the most popular scotch cocktails today. The cocktail, created by Sam Ross in 2005, has become a contemporary classic, thanks to its bold flavors, refreshing character, and innovative use of Scotch in cocktails. To make the Penicillin cocktail, add 2 oz of blended Scotch into a shaker, along with ¾ oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¾ oz of honey syrup, and a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, one standard measure. Shake the contents of the shaker until well mixed and until frost starts to appear on the shaker. Then add ice and shake again until the condensed vapor starts to appear. Now pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top it up with 1 oz of Islay single malt float. Garnish with a piece of ginger.
3. The Brown Derby
The Brown Derby is a great cocktail to showcase the versatility of using scotch in cocktails. It’s a classic, pre-prohibition cocktail that combines the warmth of honey with the tartness of grapefruit. To make a Brown Derby cocktail, add 2 oz of Speyside scotch to a shaker, along with 1 oz of fresh grapefruit juice, and ¾ oz of honey syrup. Shake all the ingredients with ice until the shaker is frosted, strain through a pour strainer, and serve. Garnish with a freshly squeezed grapefruit twist.
4. Blood and Sand
The Blood and Sand cocktail is a scarlet-hued drink that highlights the smoky flavor of scotch with the fruity sweetness of cherry liqueur. This drink originated in the1930s and is a tribute to the 1920s silent film of the same name starring Rudolph Valentino. To create this cocktail, add 1 oz of blended scotch, ¾ oz of cherry liqueur, ¾ oz of freshly squeezed orange juice, and ¾ oz of sweet vermouth to a shaker. Next, shake it up until it’s well mixed and frosty, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry.
5. Rob Roy
The Rob Roy cocktail is a take on the Manhattan that uses scotch instead of rye or bourbon. This drink is named after the famous Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy, and has been around since the late 19th century. To make the Rob Roy cocktail, add 2 oz of Scotch whisky, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters to a shaker. Shake well with ice and strain it into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry or a twist of lemon zest.
6. Godfather Cocktail
The Godfather cocktail is a simple two-ingredient cocktail that allows scotch to be enjoyed in its purest form. It’s a captivating drink that combines the smokiness of Scotch with the sweetness of amaretto. To make a Godfather cocktail, add 2 oz of Scotch and 1 oz of amaretto to a glass filled with ice. Stir together and garnish with a slice of orange or a maraschino cherry.
Final Thoughts
Scotch is not only perfect for sipping; it also brings an entirely different dimension when used in cocktails. As a base, scotch fits particularly well with other ingredients such as honey, ginger, and grapefruit juice. By using scotch in a cocktail, you can tailor the drink to your taste by bringing out the more profound smokiness that a classic whiskey sour cannot yield. Try your hand at these cocktail recipes until you find one that suits your taste buds, and be prepared to be converted to using scotch in cocktails. Just remember to drink responsibly!
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