Scotch cocktails

From hot coffee in the morning to hot chocolate for the kids, there are a plethora of beverages to warm you in the winter. In search of a nightcap, or a cocktail perfect for a celebration? A good Scotch may be what you're looking for. Scottish whisky, single malt, or blended whisky, neat or on the rocks, isn’t for everyone.  But anyone can get cozy with these four fabulous Scottish cocktails.

1. Hot Buttered Scotch

You've probably heard of Hot Buttered Rum, a popular drink associated with the cooler months. Dating back to colonial times in the U.S., Hot Buttered Rum has a long history. If you are not much of a rum drinker, you can switch it out with another spirit. Bourbon is a popular choice as it's used in lots of mixed drinks, not unlike rum. If you like your whisky Scottish, switch out the rum with Scotch and have yourself a Hot Buttered Scotch.

Batter Ingredients

(Makes 12 ounces of batter)

  • 1 stick of butter at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Drink Ingredients
  • 2 ounces whisky
  • 1 ounce batter
  • 4 ounces water
Batter Preparation
  1. Gather all of your ingredients and add them to a large bowl.
  2. Use a mixer with a paddle attachment and mix for 1 to 2 minutes or until ingredients are blended nicely.
  3. Turn your batter out onto plastic wrap.
  4. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour or until the batter is firm.
  5. Place the batter into an air-tight container when finished. If stored correctly it should last for weeks.
 Cocktail Preparation
  1. Add 1 ounce of batter into a warmed mug.
  2. Add Scotch.
  3. Fill up with hot water.
  4. Stir well.

You might also want to try this with bourbon. Try a sweet bourbon for a sweeter drink, or a high-proof bourbon for a spicier beverage. Rye also makes for a spicy drink. You could even go the way of the Irish Coffee and pour yourself some whisky from the Emerald Isle. There are plenty of ways to try this delicious beverage over the winter.

Hot Toddy Recipe Medicinal Properties

2. Scotch Toddy (Hot Toddy)

Put the cough syrup away and enjoy a relaxing evening with a Scotch Toddy.  Made with ingredients meant to soothe your aching throat, this popular beverage has been around for years. Believed to have been invented in Scotland many years ago, the exact origins of the Hot Toddy are still unknown. However, the drink has become popular worldwide and many people in the U.S. prepare theirs with bourbon. Bourbon and Scotch are both great choices, and depending on the type, your Toddy can be sweet or spicy. Choose your adventure!

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 ounces Scotch whisky
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 6 ounces boiling water
  • 1 slice of lemon around 1/4 inch thick
  • whole cloves
Preparation
  1. Add whisky and honey to a mug or Irish Coffee glass.
  2. Add boiling water.
  3. Poke cloves into the lemon rind. Use a bamboo skewer if you need to.
  4. Place the clove-studded lemon into the beverage and allow to steep for 5 minutes before drinking.

Smoky or sweet, a Scotch Toddy is the best winter beverage for sick days or cozy nights. Lie beneath the covers and warm up in bed with your hands wrapped around an Irish Coffee glass as you sip on this delicious beverage.

 

3. The Seaside Toddy

Not far removed from a Hot Toddy, The Seaside Toddy is made with Islay Whisky and a Japanese Tea. This is a hot refreshing drink for winter mornings when you have little to do. Curl up by the fire or in bed with a book to enjoy this delicious tea beverage with a Scottish twist.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces Islay Scotch Whisky
  • 1 ounce Genievre syrup
  • 3/4 ounce cranberry juice
  • 4 ounces hot water
  • A rosemary sprig and lemon zest for garnish
Genievre Syrup
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tea bags: mugicha (a Japanese barley tea) OR Earl Grey

Mix water and honey before adding tea bags. Allow to steep for 5 minutes before using.

Preparation
  1. In an Irish Coffee or other heat-proof mug, combine Scotch, syrup, and cranberry juice.
  2. Stir contents.
  3. Top off with hot water.
  4. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and lemon zest

Other Island and Highland whiskies could be used in the place of an Islay whisky. Provided that the notes are smoky, a change of whisky would not hurt this delicious winter cocktail.

Hot Toddy Recipe Medicinal Property

4. Scottish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a popular beverage made with Irish Whisky. But across the North Channel, Ireland's Celtic cousins make their own version of this delicious beverage. Switch out Irish Whisky with a non-peaty Scotch and you've got yourself a Scottish Coffee.

Ingredients
  • 6 ounces coffee, preferably a medium to dark roast (Note: French press is the best method for most medium and darker roast coffees. If you get someone to grind it for you, ask them to make it coarse. But feel free to make your coffee however you usually do if you don’t own a French press.)
  • non-peaty Scotch whisky
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • Warm milk and whip cream, optional
Preparation
  1. Add 1.5 ounces of whisky to an 8-ounce glass.
  2. Add the brown sugar.
  3. Top with hot coffee and stir.
  4. If desired, add warm milk and a dollop of whipped cream.

If you are looking for a Scotch to use, here are three perfect non-peaty whiskies. Brunichladdich’s The Classic Laddie and Longmorn 16 have vanilla notes that pair wonderfully with the coffee and milk. Aberlour A’bunadh is fruity with spices, great for the holidays.

Stay Warm with Scotch

Spice up your life and your beverage with an ounce or two of your favorite Scotch. Non-peaty whiskies are best to add to your teas and coffees. When adding Scottish whisky to your beverages, darker roasts and black teas help to balance out the Scotch. Wrap your hands around a warm mug this winter and take a sip of two delicious beverages in one.