5 Must-Try Scotch Whisky Cocktails

Scotch whisky cocktails effortlessly balance complementary ingredients, creating tastefully complex flavour profiles. Whether you’d like to try something tart, sweet, refreshing or smoky, you’ll find something to enjoy in our list of must-try scotch whisky cocktails. 

1. Scotch Sour

Amongst the most popular of the whisky cocktail variety, this classic cocktail is renowned for its blend of bitter, sweet and sour. The best Scotch Sours come from high-quality aged bourbon or rye foundations that offer a smoother, warmer drinking experience and a more nuanced flavour.

The sour aspect relies on fresh lemon juice and the sweetness from a simple syrup. Some connoisseurs add egg white to establish a velvety texture, while others let the unity of the ingredients take focus.

Scotch Sour Whisky Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 60ml Evan Williams Bourbon

• 30ml Fresh Lemon Juice

• 20ml Simple Syrup (2-parts sugar, 1 part water)

• 3 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters

• ½ Pinch of Salt

• 15ml Egg White

Method

1. Pre-chill a short glass with ice.

2. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.

3. Strain the ice and pour the mixture back into the cocktail shaker.

4. Shake again, without ice.

5. Fine strain into the short glass, leaving the ice in.

6. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and a maraschino cherry.

Following this method, you’ll enjoy a rich, classic, crowd-pleasing Scotch Sour that’s slightly boozy and not too bitter.

2. Rusty Nail Cocktail

The Rusty Nail cocktail is an easy choice for batch serving. With only two ingredients, scotch and Drambuie, this drink packs a punch. We recommend using a peated scotch that enhances the flavours of the two and makes the Drambuie’s overpowering notes more subtle.

For a sensory twist, garnish the Rusty Nail cocktail with a thin slice of expressed lemon peel. The citrus will complement the sweetness of the Drambuie and enhance the presence of herbs and spices in the liqueur.

Rusty Nail Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 60ml Ardnamurchan Single Malt Whisky

• 30ml Drambuie

• Slice of Expressed Lemon Peel

Method

1. Place a large ice cube into a short glass.

2. Pour both ingredients into a second glass and gently stir. 

3. Pour the cocktail into the glass.

4. Express the slice of lemon peel directly over your drink and place it into the glass.

How do I Make a Rusty Nail Cocktail Less Sweet?

If you’re not enamoured by sweetness and are willing to sacrifice authenticity, some recommend adding up to 3 dashes of bitters to cut it. This ensures the interplay of smoke and spice and dulls the sugar that is very present in Drambuie. 

3. The Godfather Cocktail

The Godfather cocktail is another easy batch serving option, differentiated from the Rusty Nail cocktail only by Amaretto. The Amaretto introduces a sugary, nutty flavour that perfectly complements the smoky spiciness of the whisky.

Many whisky cocktails invite experimentation with ratios to create a preferential balance of flavours. The traditional ratio is 2:1 scotch. However, using 1 part peated and 1 part unpeated whisky, with a final part Amaretto, is a first choice for those seeking an even more diverse flavour. 

The Godfather Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 30ml Port Charlotte Whisky

• 30ml Caol Isla Whisky

• 30ml Amaretto

Method

1. Fill a rocks glass with a large ice cube.

2. Fill a mixing glass ⅔ with ice.

3. Add the ingredients to the mixing glass and stir gently.

4. Strain the cocktail into the rocks glass, over the ice cube.

Why use Peated and Unpeated Whisky in The Godfather Cocktail?

By including both, you combine bold oakiness and light fruitiness, which very smoothly complements the sugary nuttiness of the Amaretto. The result of all three is a balanced, earthly Godfather cocktail that everyone can enjoy.

4. The Rob Roy Cocktail

The Rob Roy cocktail is balanced and nuanced, with hints of sweetness and spice, resulting in a deliciously savoury beverage. The scotch whisky offers a rich, malty foundation built upon the sweetness of Vermouth and your bitters of choice.

Rob Roy cocktails are usually garnished with maraschino cherries and lemon twists. 

• Maraschino cherries for a sweet accent.

• Lemon twists to cut through the sweetness using tartness.

The Rob Roy Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 60ml Aberlour Whisky

• 25ml Vermouth

• 3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

• 2 Maraschino Cherries or Lemon Twists

Method

1. Chill a cocktail glass and mixing glass with ice.

2. Pour all ingredients into the mixing glass and gently stir.

3. Remove the ice from the cocktail glass.

4. Strain the mixed ingredients into the cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with maraschino cherries or lemon twists.

What’s the Difference Between a Rob Roy Cocktail and a Manhattan?

Rob Roy cocktails use scotch and Manhattan's use American whiskies. Due to the difference in whiskies, Manhattan’s have a spicier, more robust flavour profile compared to the smokier, more complex flavours scotch offers.

5. Whisky Highball

The Whisky Highball is a simple, refreshing summer cocktail that softens the bite of the whisky while elevating its natural flavours. Similarly to the other scotch whisky cocktails on this list, there is no standard recipe. As there are only two ingredients, you’re free to choose your whisky based on personal preference.

We recommend Chivas Regal for its refreshing flavour profile, including ripe fruit, honey and vanilla. This specific selection of natural flavourings elevate the summary feel of this cocktail like no other.

Whisky Highball Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 30ml Chivas Regal

• 90ml Soda

• 1 Lime Wedge

Method

1. Chill a tall glass with a generous portion of ice.

2. Pour the ingredients into the glass

3. Stir gently until combined and chilled.

4. Garnish with the lime wedge.

Can I use Ginger Ale for a Whisky Highball?

Yes. Ginger ale is the second most popular whisky choice for a Whisky Highball, especially to those new to the drink. A high-quality, more favourful ginger ale is the key to bringing forth the natural flavours of the whisky.

Purchase Ingredients for Scotch Whisky Cocktails at Lochs of Whisky

We’re the whisky specialists, offering an extensive collection of over 4,000 whiskies the UK and across the world. From popular distilleries and independent bottlers, you’ll find a vast selection of whiskies to suit your tastes and preferences.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to offer guidance and recommendations.