Perhaps the most sophisticated of liquors, scotch was traditionally served up in many different scotch cocktails but since then, the liquor is served largely by itself.
Originally, all Scotch was made from malted barley. However, in the late 1700s, distilleries started making scotch with rye and wheat. In 2020, there were 134 facilities making Scotch whiskey in Scotland. Scotch has to be aged for minimally three years in oak barrels, and labels have to reflect aging time.
Scotch drinks have a smoky taste with a warm feel that will help comfort you on those cold days when you need a good, stiff drink.
You’ll find a large range of scotch mixed drinks below that will give you an excellent taste of what this beverage is all about.
Scotch, a type of whisky originating from the remarkable landscapes of Scotland, has long been renowned for its complexities and exquisite taste. As a drink typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks, scotch connoisseurs may argue that altering the character of such a fine spirit is blasphemous. However, the world of cocktails changes perceptions, offering a wealth of new possibilities in taste and experience.
In recent times, scotch cocktails have been gaining popularity among both enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The versatility of scotch allows for interesting and unique flavor combinations that can elevate your drinking experience. Delving into this realm not only expands your understanding of scotch’s potential but also brings a fresh twist to cocktail hour.
Whether you’re a purist looking to dip your toes into the world of scotch-infused concoctions or a curious wanderer thirsting for innovative libations, the following scotch cocktail recipes will surely bring a new appreciation for this time-honored spirit. So, get ready to mix and enjoy the surprising and delightful blends that await you.
You’ll find scotch mixers like dry vermouth that balance perfectly with the spirit without taking over the flavor so you can let your expensive scotch shine.
When you’re having well-deserved scotch whiskey cocktails you know it’s going to be a good night, especially if it’s already been a long day.
Take note of the best scotch cocktails below so you can be ready for when the occasion calls.
The classic old-fashioned never tasted better than with some scotch whisky added in.
The slightly smokier version of this traditional rye whiskey cocktail has a more distinct flavor and aroma you won’t get by adding any old whiskey to it.
An old-fashioned isn’t hard to make either so you can really pump out a ton if you have some guests over. Just make sure you have some maraschino cherries and an orange peel.
Penicillin isn’t just for curing ailments, it’s a delicious cocktail that anyone will be able to enjoy.
This scotch drink recipe contains ginger, lemon juice, and honey which all brings a sweetness to the cocktail that you don’t often get from a traditional drink.
Might as well give yourself a dose of penicillin to cure those long-day blues that you’ve been suffering from.
It’s a great one to have during the colder months of the year because the honey and lemon mix is great for the throat.
Martinis will never go out of style and this scotch version is perfect for when you need a drink that’s going to keep up with your appetite.
The scotch in this one really takes the front seat but the mix of ingredients makes it a well-balanced cocktail.
This can be served on any occasion but it’s probably best to wait for the end of the night when you’re at home so you can have a couple without having to worry about driving home.
There’s nothing easier than having yourself a glass of scotch and coke, right?
Well, this drink is just as easy to make as the two individual components and it’s great for casual drinking when you have a bottle of scotch to get through.
If you’re not a fan of the smokier flavors that come through then maybe you should just stick with some Jack Daniels or Jim Beam. You could even have it in a chilled cocktail glass so it doesn’t easily water down.
There’s nothing fancy about this cocktail and you’re probably not going to impress anyone with it but sometimes there’s just no need for all that jazz, just toss in some scotch and cola and call it a night.
The scotch whiskey sour has a unique taste thanks to the blend of unusual flavors but for those that like it, there really isn’t anything that comes close.
The ingredients are pretty simple so if you have some scotch, or any whiskey really, give this a try and make sure you add a nice lemon peel as a garnish on top.
The sour mix is what makes this whisky sour cocktail so interesting because it gives the drink an extra kick that’s hard to recreate without it.
If you’ve already tried some other scotch cocktails and haven’t found your special drink, this one might be right up your alley.
If you’ve never had scotch before in your life then there is one place to start: the strawberry scotch cocktail.
It’s so fruity that you might not even realize that it’s a scotch drink and you have the option of using real strawberries or strawberry sugar syrup in your cocktail shaker.
The best thing about this cocktail recipe is that you can easily replace the scotch with vodka so it works as a great gateway drink if you’re looking to get into cocktails for the first time.
The rusty nail is a classic that a lot of people love to drink, for good reason.
It may seem pretty simple but the flavors really come together here and it’s a great way to enjoy scotch without any extra stuff added in so your expensive bottle can really shine.
For most people, this will be very similar to drinking some Jameson Irish Whiskey so if you’re already a fan then you’ll love the rusty nail.
There’s nothing like sipping on a glass of scotch and letting it warm your chest as it goes down, and there’s no better way to do that than with this simple recipe over fresh ice.
Even though the name itself isn’t the most appealing, once you have a sip of the blood and sand it might change your entire perception.
The name comes from a 1922 movie of the same title and they clearly didn’t have a whiskey cocktail in mind when it was made, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some booze in what would have been a historic time for movies.
This drink is a lot sweeter than some of the other cocktails on the list so it’s a great one to start with if you’re just drinking scotch for the first time.
It’s one that you can drink when you want something simple or when you’re in the mood for a little more depth and just want to try something new but it’s not about to break the bank either.
The best scotch cocktails were created before the turn of the mid-century and this is one of the best.
The Bobby Burns is great for when you want to drink something with a really nice, smooth finish and it actually has some history to back up its creation.
This cocktail was created in honor of Robert Burns, who’s considered by many to be Scotland’s national poet, so if you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy a few scotch drinks, this is definitely a good reason.
It has the perfect balance thanks to the sweet vermouth, which means that it’s going to go down easily even if you aren’t sure whether or not you like scotch cocktails.
This drink is one that you’re not going to be able to refuse when you hear the mixing glass.
The godfather only needs two ingredients so if you’re lucky enough to have some scotch, then give this one a try.
What’s really nice about the drink is that it has that smoky flavor that comes through without being too overwhelming so if you’ve had scotch before but just didn’t like how strong it was, the godfather might be perfect for you.
This is a great one to have with friends since it doesn’t take a lot of time to make but still has some great flavor.
This recipe was created as early as 1930 but it never gained much traction until the 1970’s when it became trendy thanks to its unique blend of flavors.
If you like cocktails with your scotch then this might be for you thanks to the ginger ale that really makes it pop.
This drink is so appropriately named that you’ll have a hard time pulling yourself away from it once you give it a try.
The affinity cocktail is perfect for when you want to have something with a bit more depth in flavor but don’t want to spend a ton of time making it.
This is probably one of the best scotch cocktails for beginners because all you need are a handful of ingredients that you probably have lying around your bar anyway.
There really isn’t a whole lot to the Presbyterian and a lot of people claim that it’s a glorified watered-down scotch, which is exactly how it got its name.
But if scotch isn’t your go-to drink but you want to try some cocktails anyway, this is one of the best places to start.
The presbyterian is great because it’s not too overwhelming and you can really get the flavors of the whiskey coming through without anything else getting in the way.
So, if you’re new to drinking scotch or just aren’t sure exactly how you like yours, this might be a perfect choice for you.
When you want to warm the soul with one of the best scotch drinks around for cold days, you need this hot toddy recipe.
The toddy is one of those cocktails that has an interesting history because it was created for medicinal purposes and you’ll be happy to know that even though the drink was intended for people suffering from colds, many swear by its ability to help with stomach aches as well.
If you’re wondering what to mix with scotch this is one of the easiest scotch recipes you could find.
This means that if you’re having a party over the summer you can whip this up in no time, or if you want to enjoy it by yourself after work during the warmer months, you’ll have a drink ready to go in seconds.
All of this goes to show that scotch cocktails don’t have to be as complicated as you think they are because if you have a nice scotch and simple syrup, you can make yourself a scotch Tom Collins in no time.
Timeless Scotch Cocktails (+Penicillin Cocktail)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
