10 Scotch Cocktails For Easy Summer Sipping

Scotch whisky, tracing its roots back to 1494, remains a symbol of Scottish heritage and craftsmanship. In recent years, Scotch has gained renewed popularity, especially in the U.S. market, driven by evolving consumer trends.

The State of Scotch in 2024

According to the IWSR, a leading authority on data and intelligence for the global beverage alcohol market, Scotch whisky is experiencing notable growth in the U.S. Millennials are increasingly gravitating towards premium whiskies, fueled by rising financial confidence. This shift is driving higher sales of premium spirits in bars and restaurants. The IWSR report also highlights a growing interest in no-alcohol alternatives, reflecting a broader trend towards mindful drinking. Despite overall moderation in alcohol consumption, the demand for quality Scotch remains strong, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on health and wellness.

While Scotch can be thoroughly enjoyed on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with other spirits and flavors to create easy, sipping cocktails. Here are 10 cocktail options that showcase Scotch’s versatility:

The Highland Meadow

Experience the vibrant and zesty flavors of The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow with this refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow
• 0.5 oz Giffard Espolette
• 0.75 oz Lime Juice
• 0.75 oz Pepita Orgeat
• 6 Dash Allspice Dram Liqueur

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake well. Serve over a block of ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with dehydrated lime and nutmeg.

Smoky Spicy Lagavulin Margarita

A fiery twist on the classic margarita, featuring the bold flavors of Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• 1.0 oz Cointreau
• 1.0 oz Lime Juice
• 0.25 oz Agave Nectar
• 2-3 slices of Jalapeno

Instructions: Muddle jalapeno slices in a shaker, then add remaining ingredients. Shake well and double strain over ice into a rocks glass with a Tajin rim. Garnish with a lime slice.

Wolfie’s Rockstar Martini

A glamorous cocktail that brings a touch of rock and roll to your glass with Wolfie’s Whisky, a brand by Sir Rod Stewart.

Ingredients:

• 40 ml Wolfie’s Whisky
• 15 ml Passionfruit Liqueur
• 15 ml Vanilla Syrup
• 15 ml Lime Juice
• Splash of Champagne

Instructions: Shake whisky, passion fruit liqueur, vanilla syrup, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with a splash of champagne.

The Glenlivet Whisky Sour

A timeless classic, the Whisky Sour is elevated with The Glenlivet’s smooth profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
• 1 Part Lemon Juice
• 0.5 Parts Simple Syrup
• 0.5 Parts Egg White or Aquafaba
• 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Instructions: Dry shake all ingredients, then add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with bitters.

The Boulevardier

An elegant and bitter cocktail that balances the richness of Double Cask 18 Years Old with sweet vermouth and Campari.

Ingredients:

• 40 ml Double Cask 18 Years Old
• 15 ml Campari
• 15 ml Sweet Vermouth
• Orange Twist Garnish

Instructions: Stir all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled martini or rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Harmony Cafe Martini

Perfect for coffee lovers, this sophisticated martini combines the richness of The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow with espresso.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow
• 1 oz Espresso
• 0.75 oz Ristretto
• 0.25 oz Coconut/Vanilla Syrup

Instructions: Shake all ingredients and strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with toasted coconut and coffee bean dust.

The Young Laddie

A modern cocktail with a nod to tradition, featuring Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scotch.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scotch
• 7.5 ml Simple Syrup
• 1 Dash Peychaud’s Bitters
• 1 Dash Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters
• Orange Twist

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Glenlivet Champagne Cocktail

A luxurious blend of The Glenlivet 14 Year Old and champagne for a celebratory touch.

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts The Glenlivet 14 Year Old
• 2 Parts Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.25 Parts Honey Water
• 0.25 Parts GH Mumm Champagne
• Lemon Twist

Instructions: Pour whisky, lemon juice, and honey water into a chilled flute. Top with champagne, stir, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Old Fashioned Tea

A refined cocktail that marries the depth of Talisker 10 Year Old with the aromatic qualities of Earl Grey tea.

Ingredients:

• 1.25 oz Talisker 10 Year Old
• 0.25 oz Earl Grey Tea Syrup (1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 2 Earl Grey tea bags)
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Dash Orange Bitters
• Lemon Twist Garnish

Instructions: Prepare the syrup by steeping tea bags in boiling water, then adding sugar. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

Not Your Auntie’s Pina Colada

jA tropical twist on a classic cocktail with the added depth of Aberfeldy Scotch by D’Arel Miller, Director of Food + Beverage at Broken Shaker at Freehand New York.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Alander Spiced Rum
• 0.5 oz Aberfeldy Scotch
• 0.5 oz Fieldtrip Squash Amaro
• 1 oz Pineapple Puree — Lea Vergers Boiron is best
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 3 Vita Coco Ice Cubes

Instructions: Freeze an ice tray with Vita Coco Coconut water. At home, blend the ingredients together, then place in the freezer for five minutes to replicate a slushy consistency.