That old Gold, that warm elixir, that which is called Whisky, Whiskey, Scotch, Rye or Bourbon, which usually is served up straight, on the rocks or slightly diluted, can also be a popular cocktail drink. Whisky drinkers will know that the spirit does lend itself nicely to fruity as well as drier mixes.
We are not talking about the common cola that some like to fizz up their drink with. Rather, the finer mixes and flavours that make for enduring taste and lingering memories. Bring on the world of Whisky cocktails, the world that is not just for the folk who like their Scotch but also for those who like their flavours.
Some cocktails that whet your appetite are the Classic Manhattan, Whisky Sour, Whisky Smash and the Blood and Sand, to mention just a few. For the joy of trying it at home, we have decided to give you three recipes we thought might tickle your taste buds.
The Manhattan is an old favourite and almost always tops a cocktail menu’s Whisky section. Originally made from Rye Whisky, later drinkers used Bourbon more frequently. Today, however, it lends itself to the taste of the drinker and you are generally welcome to use any Whisky you prefer. Here, for your drinking pleasure, is the recipe:
Ingredients:
2 ounces of your choice of Whisky
½ ounce sweet Vermouth
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Preparation:
- Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir well.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with the cherry.
Some variations on this cocktail include playing with the Vermouth ratios. Depending on how dry you like your Manhattan, you could use a drier or sweet Vermouth. And if you don’t have a cherry to garnish your drink with, then a sliver of orange peel will do just as well.
Be sure to use a classic cocktail glass for this very special drink, to get the look and feel just right!
And just so you can get a feel for the kind of cocktails possible with Whisky, and because we are not listing every single one here (it is still a growing list by the way), here is another cocktail recipe, one that was meant to be a classic.
Inspired by the 1941 movie Blood and Sand, the cocktail of the same name is probably just as inspired by the remake in 1989 starring Sharon Stone.
The cocktail itself is a delightful one with a touch of sweet and citrus. A suggestion, if you cannot find Cherry Brandy is to use Cherry Heering which has a more natural cherry flavour. Additionally, we advise you to use freshly squeezed orange juice as opposed to the canned or tinned variety. And for your further edification, here is the recipe!
Ingredients:
¾ ounce Scotch Whisky
¾ ounce Cherry Brandy
¾ ounce sweet Vermouth
¾ ounce orange juice
Orange slice for garnish
Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Preparation:
- Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
In 2010, this beloved cocktail was vastly improved by a top mixologist at Edinburgh’s premier cocktail bar, the Bramble Bar. Using Chivas Regal blended Scotch Whisky, passion fruit puree, Lillet Rouge and Cherry Heering, this reinterpretation is possibly even better than the original – try it!
Ingredients:
1 ounce Chivas Regal Blended Scotch Whisky
1 ounce passion fruit puree
1 ounce Cherry Heering
1 ounce Lillet Rouge
Preparation:
- In a mixing glass, add all ingredients.
- Add ice.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Enjoy!
We, at Bengaluru Duty Free really hope you enjoy your Whisky and, more importantly today, your Whisky-based cocktails! Do try these and let us know what you think and what you like! Happy to help you out at our store anytime – do drop by, and, who knows – you may be able to create a perfect cocktail all your own!