10 Scotch Whisky Cocktails You Need To Try

If you’re a Scotch whisky lover who is looking to get more creative and try new things this year, then add these Scotch whisky cocktails to your list!

Whether you’re planning a family gathering, hosting a games night with friends, or simply looking for fresh ways to enjoy your favourite whisky, this guide is sure to please. 

While Scottish whisky is more difficult to blend, once you find the right flavour pairings, you’ll never turn to vodka again! So, sit back and relax as we guide you through 10 Scotch whisky cocktails you need to try.

1. Penicillin

This mid-2000s cocktail will sweep you off your feet, tantalising your tastebuds, and add a sweet touch to any occasion.

The penicillin is famous for its balance of sweet, spicy, tart, and smoky flavours, perfect for the summer! It got its name from its soothing qualities, giving you a pick-me-up similar to the antibiotic it’s named after. 

How to Make:

• Create the honey-ginger syrup: Add equal parts honey and water to a saucepan, placing it on low heat. Then add a fresh slice of ginger and leave to simmer for 10 minutes.
• Mix the cocktail: Strain and cool the liquid, then add 50 ml of blended scotch, 20 ml of honey-ginger syrup, and 20 ml of lemon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 15 to 20 seconds.
• Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass, adding fresh ice. Pour the islay malt on top for a touch of smokiness. 

2. Blood and Sand

The name may be intimidating, but we promise you’ll love it! This popular Scotch whisky cocktail got its name from its vibrant red and orange hue, inspired by the 1992 silent film Blood and Sand.

This is the perfect drink for a summer afternoon with friends, with its citrusy flavours and tropical appearance. 

How to Make:

• Prepare shaker: Add ice cubes to your cocktail shaker. Then, add 25 ml of blended or light single-malt Scotch whisky, 25 ml of cherry brandy, 25 ml of sweet vermouth, and 25 ml of orange juice. Aim for around 25 ml of each.
• Shake it up: Shake for 20-30 seconds until all of the ingredients are mixed and chilled.
• Strain and serve: Pour the mixture into a martini glass or chilled coupe, add orange peel or a cherry on top, and serve.

3. Rusty Nail

This cocktail may not sound very appetising, but trust us when we tell you that it’s delicious. 

The rusty nail is a popular choice for whisky lovers, best served as a post-dinner indulgence. This cocktail allows the whisky to take centre stage, creating a sophisticated drink. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare.

How to Make:

• Prepare the glass: Add ice cubes to a rocks glass.
• Add the ingredients: Pour 45 ml of blended or single-malt Scotch whisky over the ice. Then, add 25 ml of Drambuie on top. 
• Stir and garnish: Stir gently and add a twist of lemon peel on top.

4. Whisky Mac

If you know anything about cocktails, then you’ll already be familiar with this classic. 

Whisky mac combines the boldness of Scotch whisky with the sweetness of ginger wine, offering warm qualities. This is the perfect drink for a cosy night in during the winter. It’s also a great choice for the festive season! 

How to Make: 

• Traditional serve (neat): Add 50 ml of blended or single malt Scotch whisky and 25 ml green ginger wine into a heatproof glass or tumbler and stir gently.
• Chilled ersion (over ice): Add ice cubes to a rocks glass and pour over Scotch Whisky and ginger wine.
• Hot whisky mac (winter version): Gently warm (not boil) some ginger wine in a saucepan and add it to a heatproof glass with Scotch whisky. Stir and enjoy.

5. Godfather

Much like the popular Al Pacino film, the Godfather cocktail is a classic.

This provides a sense of indulgence and sophistication with its smooth blend of amaretto and Scotch whisky. The Godfather has a strong, smoky base with hints of almonds and a touch of sweetness. 

How to Make:

• Prepare the glass: Add large ice cubes to a rocks glass.
• Add the ingredients: Pour 30 ml of amaretto and 45 ml of blended or single malt Scotch whisky over the ice cubes.
• Stir and garnish: Stir gently and add an orange peel or maraschino cherry for an extra touch.

6. Modernista

Also known as ‘the modern’, the modernista cocktail offers a multi-layered drinking experience with a range of delicious ingredients. 

This whisky cocktail has a bold and complex taste, blending the richness of dark rum with the tanginess of lemon juice. The modernista is a choice for the skilful cocktail maker. 

How to Make: 

• Prepare the shaker: Add ice to a cocktail shaker and combine 40 ml of Scotch single malt whisky, 20 ml of dark Jamaican rum, 5 ml of absinthe (optional), 15 ml of Swedish Punsch, 15 ml of lemon juice, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. 
• Shake it up: Shake the cocktail for 20 to 30 seconds. 
• Strain and serve: Double strain the mix into a martini glass or chilled coupe until the ice shards are removed. Garnish with orange peel or star anise.

7. Scotch Mule

The Scotch mule is a whisky twist on the popular Moscow mule, perfect for whisky enthusiasts. 

The zingy taste of this cocktail offers a refreshing drink for warm summer evenings, with a spicy kick of ginger beer. This is perfect for enjoying alone or sharing with friends. For an icy cold drink, pour into a copper mug.

How to Make:

• Prepare the glass: Add ice cubes to a highball glass or copper mug.
• Add whisky and lime juice: Pour 50 ml of blended Scotch or a fruity single malt and 15 ml of fresh lime juice. 
• Top with ginger beer: Add 150 ml of ginger beer on top, pouring slowly to avoid losing carbonation.
• Stir and garnish: Stir slowly and add a lime wedge or a sprig of fresh mint.

8. Scotch Sour

This variation of the classic whisky sour replaces bourbon with a bold Scotch whisky, ideal for those who aren’t fans of bourbon. 

The Scotch sour offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartiness, topped off with a smooth and velvety texture. You can even add egg white for a creamy touch!

How to Make: 

• Prepare the syrup: Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Mix the ingredients: Add 50 ml of Scotch whisky, 25 ml of fresh lemon juice, 1 egg white (optional), and 15 ml of the syrup you prepared. 
• Dry shake: Shake the mixture without ice for 15 to 20 seconds (only if using egg white). 
• Add ice and shake again: Then, add ice and shake for another 20 to 30 seconds.
• Strain and serve: Double strain into a rocks glass with ice or chilled coupe and garnish with a lemon twist or maraschino cherry.

9. Highland Spritz

If you love a traditional spritz cocktail, then you’ll love the Highland spritz. This is a more light and fruity drink, serving as the perfect drink for a girls' brunch or summer gatherings.

The Highland spritz offers floral and fruity notes, offering a refreshing drink that's easy to sip alongside a meal. You’ll be 5 drinks down before you know it!

How to Make:

• Prepare the glass: Add ice cubes to a highball glass or wine glass.
• Add the whisky and liqueur: Pour 40 ml of a fruity Highland or Speyside malt whisky and 20 ml of elderflower liqueur over the ice.
• Add lemon juice and soda water: Pour 60 ml of soda water and 10 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice into the glass.
• Stir and garnish: Stir gently to avoid losing carbonation, and garnish with a lemon slice or edible flowers.

10. Whisky Alexander

This whisky dessert cocktail is rich and decadent, perfect for a whisky enthusiast who is looking for new ways to enjoy their favourite Scotch whisky. 

The whisky Alexander is a twist on the famous Brandy Alexander, offering a more robust character and creamy texture. This is perfectly paired with a sweet treat after dinner. 

How to Make:

• Prepare the cocktail shaker: Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
• Add the ingredients: Pour 40 ml of single malt or blended Scotch whisky, 20 ml of crème de cacao (dark or white), and 20 ml of double creme into the shaker.
• Shake it up: Shake for 20 to 30 seconds to blend the ingredients well.
• Strain and serve: Strain into a Martini glass or chilled coupe and garnish with grated nutmeg or cocoa powder.

Explore Old and Rare Scotch Whisky

If you’ve made your way through our list of Scotch whisky cocktails you need to try, then why not experience new flavours with our old and rare Scotch whisky tasting kits?

These miniature sets are perfect for testing out new whiskies with loved ones or alone. With our whisky tasting kits, you can expand your collection and treat your tastebuds to some delicious and sophisticated whiskies from across the world.