15 Must Try Scotch Cocktail Recipes

I remember the first time I made my first Scotch cocktail. It was a quiet evening, and I wanted to try something new. I had a bottle of Scotch in my kitchen, and I thought, “Why not?” I googled “Scotch cocktail recipes” and started exploring.

Each recipe felt like a little piece of history—stories of the past, craft, and deep flavors packed in every sip. That’s when I fell in love with Scotch cocktails. They are simple yet elegant, with a flavor that’s rich and bold.

Since then, I’ve been experimenting with different Scotch cocktail recipes, and now I’m excited to share them with you. Whether you’re a Scotch enthusiast or new to the drink, these recipes will take you on a delightful journey.

If you’re also interested in exploring different tropical flavors, check out our Tiki Cocktail Recipes for a fun twist on cocktails.

1. Rob Roy

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

The Rob Roy is often referred to as the Scotch Manhattan, and I love it because of its perfect balance between sweetness and the smoky richness of Scotch. It’s smooth, bold, and very easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients: In a mixing glass, pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
2. Add ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.
3. Stir well: Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain: Strain the drink into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish: Place a maraschino cherry in the glass for garnish.

2. Rusty Nail

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 3 minutes | Serve: 1

The Rusty Nail is an iconic cocktail that blends Scotch with Drambuie, a Scottish honey liqueur. The sweet honey notes perfectly complement the smoky Scotch flavor, making it a comforting drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 oz Drambuie
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In an old-fashioned glass, pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky and 1 oz of Drambuie.
2. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.
3. Stir gently: Stir the drink for about 10-15 seconds to blend the flavors.
4. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist for a fresh aroma.
5. Serve and enjoy this easy, smooth drink!

3. Blood and Sand

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

This cocktail is a true classic, named after the 1922 movie Blood and Sand. With a mix of Scotch, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and cherry brandy, it’s a fun and fruity take on Scotch.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz Scotch whisky
• 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
• 3/4 oz orange juice
• 3/4 oz cherry brandy

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add 3/4 oz Scotch whisky, 3/4 oz sweet vermouth, 3/4 oz fresh orange juice, and 3/4 oz cherry brandy.
2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Serve: Your Blood and Sand cocktail is now ready to be enjoyed!

4. Scotch Old Fashioned

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

An Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, and when made with Scotch, it brings a smoky twist to the original. I love how the bitters and sugar blend beautifully with the rich Scotch flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange slice (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base: In a glass, place 1 sugar cube and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
2. Add a splash of water: Pour a small amount of water over the sugar and bitters, then muddle gently to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add Scotch: Add 2 oz of Scotch whisky to the glass.
4. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine the flavors.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a twist of orange peel for extra fragrance.

5. Scotch Sour

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

If you’re a fan of whiskey sours, then you’ll love the Scotch version! It’s a refreshing mix of tartness and sweetness, with a rich Scotch flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Lemon wheel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a shaker, add 2 oz of Scotch whisky, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice to chill the drink.
3. Shake: Shake the mixture for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain: Strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist for a fresh touch.
6. Serve and enjoy this tangy and refreshing cocktail!

6. Hot Toddy

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

A Hot Toddy is perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a warm drink to relax. The combination of Scotch, honey, and lemon makes it a soothing choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Hot water

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a heat-resistant mug, add 2 oz of Scotch whisky, 1 tbsp of honey, and 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice.
2. Add hot water: Pour hot water into the mug, filling it up (about 6 oz).
3. Stir: Stir the mixture until the honey dissolves completely.
4. Serve: Your Hot Toddy is ready to keep you warm and cozy!

7. Godfather

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 3 minutes | Serve: 1

The Godfather cocktail is an elegant and smooth drink, mixing Scotch with Amaretto. It’s one of those drinks that’s easy to sip and enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 oz Amaretto
• Ice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: Pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky and 1 oz of Amaretto into a glass filled with ice.
2. Stir: Stir the drink gently for about 10-15 seconds to mix the flavors.
3. Serve: The Godfather is ready to enjoy!

8. Bobby Burns

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

Named after the famous Scottish poet, this cocktail is a sophisticated mix of Scotch, vermouth, and Bénédictine. It’s a drink that celebrates the elegance of Scotland.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/4 oz Bénédictine
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz of Scotch whisky, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1/4 oz of Bénédictine.
2. Add ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice.
3. Stir: Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.
4. Strain: Strain the drink into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist for added fragrance.

9. Scotch Highball

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Total Time: 2 minutes | Serve: 1

The Scotch Highball is a simple yet refreshing cocktail, perfect for those who prefer a lighter drink. The combination of Scotch and soda is a classic for a reason!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• Club soda
• Ice (for serving)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill the glass with ice: Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Add Scotch: Pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky into the glass.
3. Top with soda: Add club soda to the glass, topping it off to your desired strength.
4. Stir gently: Stir the drink gently to combine the flavors.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist or wedge for extra flavor.

10. Penicillin

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

The Penicillin cocktail is a modern classic, combining smoky Scotch with ginger, honey, and lemon. It’s perfect for when you need something refreshing and warming.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blended Scotch whisky
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz honey syrup
• 1/2 oz ginger liqueur
• Ice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a shaker, add 2 oz of blended Scotch whisky, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz of honey syrup, and 1/2 oz of ginger liqueur.
2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
3. Strain: Strain the drink into a glass filled with ice.
4. Serve: Your Penicillin is ready!

11. Presbyterian

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 3 minutes | Serve: 1

The Presbyterian is a light and bubbly cocktail made with Scotch and ginger ale. It’s an easy-to-make, refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 4 oz ginger ale
• Ice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Fill the glass with ice: Start by filling a glass with ice cubes.
2. Add Scotch: Pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky into the glass.
3. Top with ginger ale: Pour in 4 oz of ginger ale to the glass.
4. Stir gently: Stir the drink gently to mix the ingredients.
5. Serve: The Presbyterian cocktail is now ready to enjoy!

12. Scotch Collins

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

The Scotch Collins is a twist on the classic Tom Collins, replacing gin with Scotch. It’s a bright, fizzy, and refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Club soda

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a shaker, mix 2 oz of Scotch whisky, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup.
2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
3. Shake: Shake the mixture for about 15 seconds to chill the drink.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda: Fill the rest of the glass with club soda.
6. Stir gently: Stir gently to combine.
7. Serve: Your Scotch Collins is ready for you to enjoy!

13. Mint Julep (with Scotch variation)

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern drink, and when made with Scotch, it becomes a refreshing take on the original. The mint and sweetness blend beautifully with the smoky Scotch.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint: In a glass, add a handful of fresh mint leaves and 1 oz of simple syrup. Muddle gently to release the mint’s aroma and oils.
2. Add Scotch: Pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky into the glass.
3. Add crushed ice: Fill the glass with crushed ice, almost to the top.
4. Stir: Stir gently to combine the flavors.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

14. Sazerac (with Scotch variation)

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail, and the Scotch variation adds a smoky twist to this iconic drink. It’s a bold and flavorful choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1/4 oz absinthe (or absinthe substitute)
• 1 sugar cube
• 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

Instructions:

1. Muddle sugar and bitters: In an old-fashioned glass, muddle 1 sugar cube with 3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters.
2. Add Scotch: Pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky into the glass.
3. Add ice: Add ice cubes to the glass and stir to combine.
4. Absinthe wash: In a second glass, pour 1/4 oz of absinthe or an absinthe substitute and swirl it to coat the inside of the glass. Discard the excess.
5. Strain and serve: Strain the Scotch mixture into the prepared glass.

15. Hot Buttered Scotch

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 1

Hot Buttered Scotch is a rich, comforting drink with a buttery smooth texture. It’s perfect for chilly nights, with its warm, indulgent flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Hot water

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and sugar: In a heat-resistant mug, add 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of brown sugar. Stir to melt the butter and combine the sugar.
2. Add Scotch: Pour 2 oz of Scotch whisky into the mug.
3. Add hot water: Pour in hot water (about 6 oz), stirring to combine all the ingredients.
4. Serve: Your Hot Buttered Scotch is ready to keep you warm and cozy!

Conclusion

Scotch cocktail recipes bring out the elegance and deep flavors of Scotch whisky in a way that’s both fun and approachable.

Whether you prefer something refreshing like the Scotch Highball or something rich and comforting like the Hot Buttered Scotch, there’s a Scotch cocktail for every occasion. Don’t be intimidated by the variety of drinks out there.

These recipes are easy to follow, and soon you’ll be enjoying your perfect Scotch cocktail at home. The best part? You can experiment and find your own personal favorite. Cheers!