‘Tis the season for Christmas cocktails! If you are a fan of whisky but would like to put a bit of a twist on it this festive season, let us take you through some classic whisky cocktails for you to enjoy this Christmas.
From whisky cocktail classics to modern twists, this list has something for every whisky lover.
So, without further ado, let’s go through some of the best whisky cocktails. Perfect for enjoying next to an open fire and with family gathered around this festive season.
1. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail traditionally made with bourbon or rye whiskey. However, you can substitute this for Scotch whisky if you wish, whichever whisk[e]y takes your fancy.
The cocktail is a balance of rich flavours. It is sweet, bitter, and citrusy in equal measure, making it the perfect cocktail to savour this Christmas.
Method:
- Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1 teaspoon of water to a lowball glass. Muddle until the sugar is nearly dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice and add 60ml of your chosen bourbon, rye, or Scotch. Stir gently.
- Garnish with a twist of orange and a maraschino cherry.
2. Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a winter warmer cocktail. Made with lemon, honey, and cinnamon, it is the perfect balance of sweet and spice. Perfect for cold winter evenings or even to stave off a cold. The Hot Toddy is a winter classic that soothes and relaxes, with the wintery taste of cinnamon dancing on your tastebuds.
Method:
- Bring 180ml of water to a boil in a saucepan and then pour it into a mug.
- Add 45ml of a whisky of your choice, 2 teaspoons of honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a cinnamon stick.
3. Manhattan/Rob Roy
The Manhattan is the Old Fashioned’s slightly sweeter cousin. The whisky cocktail uses the same structure as the Old Fashioned, but substitutes the sugar for sweet vermouth, adding complexity to the flavour profile.
Traditionally, the Manhattan is made with bourbon or rye whiskey. But, again, use whichever whisky you like best. If you replace the whiskey with Scotch, then this becomes a Rob Roy – the Scottish variation of the Manhattan.
Method:
- Into a mixing glass with ice cubes pour 50ml of the whisky of your choice, 20ml of sweet vermouth, and 1 dash of Angostura bitters. Stir well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
4. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is often confused with the Mojito. The main differences between the two is that a Mojito is made with white rum and contains lime juice. Whereas, a Mint Julep is traditionally made with bourbon or rye and does not contain any citrus juice.
The cocktail is light and refreshing with a strong flavour of mint and citrus balancing out the spirit.
Method:
- In a stainless steel Julep cup, muddle 4 mint sprigs with 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of water.
- Fill the cup with cracked ice.
- Add 60ml of bourbon. Stir well until chilled.
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5. Whisky Sour
The Whisky Sour is another classic whisky cocktail that uses citrus and sugar to cut through the whisky. This cocktail can be served straight up or on the rocks and is perfect for anyone who can appreciate a balance of flavours. The egg white that can sometimes feature in the cocktail adds a welcome silkiness.
Method:
- In a cocktail shaker combine 50ml of Scotch whisky, 35ml of lemon juice, a simple syrup (2:1 sugar syrup), 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, ½ fresh egg white, ice, and a piece of lemon zest. Shake well.
- For a Christmassy twist, add 15ml of cranberry juice.
- Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Squeeze lemon zest over the top and garnish with a slice of orange an a maraschino cherry.
6. The Godfather
This whisky cocktail was named for The Godfather (1972) dir. Francis Ford Coppola, which follows a fictional Mafia family in New York during the 1940s and 1950s. It is claimed that this concoction was Marlon Brando’s favourite drink, though this is disputed.
Whatever the origins of the name, The Godfather cocktail became an instant classic in the 1970s, and remains a firm favourite amongst cocktail connoisseurs. This one would go down well after a big Christmas dinner.
Traditionally, The Godfather is made with a peated Scotch whisky.
Method:
- Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice and pour over 3.5cl of Scotch whisky (preferably smoky/peaty) and 3.5cl amaretto liqueur. Stir well and serve.
7. Blood & Sand
The Blood & Sand cocktail is also named for a movie: Blood and Sand (1922) staring Rudolph Valentino, owing the to the blood orange juice in the cocktail linking it with the movie. This is considered a classic Scotch whisky cocktail after the recipe appeared in the Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930.
Bring an element of Scottish tradition to your Christmas this year.
Method:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 25ml of Scotch whisky, 25ml of cherry brandy liqueur, 25ml of sweet vermouth, and 25ml of blood orange juice. Shake to combine.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange twist.
There are endless Christmas cocktail opportunities with whisky, bourbon, or rye with the option to substitute your favourite tipple in any of these recipes. So, put your feet up in front of the fire with a whisky cocktail in hand and enjoy the festive season.
Which Christmas whisky cocktail will you be savouring this holiday?
Buy Whisky On the Mark Littler Shop
If you are looking for some special whisky to use in your festive whisky cocktails, we have bottles to suit all budgets on our shop. Why not use a smoky Ardbeg 10 Year Old for The Godfather?
You can also find whisky gifts for all budgets on our shop. From framed distillery maps to 29 year old Cognac, we have a wide variety of products to suit an equally wide variety of tastes.