Cocktails are a great way to enjoy a warm summer night, and while vodka and gin have seen a surge in popularity, searches for ‘whisky cocktail recipes’ have increased by 90% over the past 30 days.
With 71.2% of adults consuming alcohol at least once a week in the UK, the deep flavour of a whisky base is predicted to become a major trend.
The specialists at Geraldo’s, premium confectionery business, wanted to share their expertise on five classic cocktails perfect for your next pour.
Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, partners with distilleries across Scotland to offer exclusive access to customers for limited edition whisky releases.
Toni expressed: “In recent years, whisky has been seen as a more masculine drink, reserved for slow sipping, with a cube of ice at the most, but the truth is that, while we should always have a healthy respect for its flavour, whisky is just as versatile a spirit as gin or vodka.”
Five classic whisky cocktails to enjoy in the sun:
- The Godfather
“A ‘Godfather’ is a great starting point for whisky cocktails with just two ingredients. Mix around 40ml of your favourite Scotch whisky with around 15ml of Amaretto, pour over ice and stir. It’s that simple, and the result is your favourite whisky, with an added touch of almond from the Amaretto.”
This no-fuss cocktail is ideal for whisky lovers who want to soften their drink without losing its robust character. The Amaretto adds a rich, nutty sweetness, making it perfect for relaxing during a warm evening.
Served over a large ice cube, it’s a smooth but subtly sweet sipper that doesn’t require any garnish.
- The Rusty Nail
“Despite the name, The Rusty Nail is a great, sweet cocktail that’s just as simple as the Godfather to mix. 40ml of Whisky and 20 ml of Drambuie, gently stirred in a glass with ice and a lemon twist will provide you with a smoky, honey flavoured drink, best sipped slowly.”
The Rusty Nail is a time-honoured classic that brings together Scotch whisky and Drambuie, a Scottish whisky-based liqueur infused with heather honey and herbs. The result is a rich, warming drink with a touch of spice and sweetness.
It’s an excellent choice for slow sipping as the sun sets, and the lemon twist adds just the right hint of citrus to cut through the richness. Best served in an Old-Fashioned glass.
- The John Collins
“Not to be confused with its gin-based neighbour, the Tom Collins, The John Collins uses whisky at its base to form the first long drink on our list. Start with around 60ml of blended whisky, 30ml of fresh lemon juice, and 15ml of ‘simple syrup’ in a shaker with ice.
“Once shaken, strain into a tall glass with ice, and top up with soda. For garnish, you can add a slice of lemon, or a cherry as either will work with the flavours found here.”
Light, fizzy, and wonderfully refreshing, The John Collins is perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings. The blend of citrus and soda transforms whisky into a vibrant, effervescent highball that goes down easy.
It’s an excellent introduction for those new to whisky cocktails, thanks to its brightness and balance. Whether you’re lounging poolside or firing up the BBQ, this tall, sparkling drink offers a revitalising twist on whisky’s richer reputation.
- Whisky Cobbler
“Fruity, very sweet and perfect for a summer night outside, the Whisky Cobbler comes with a bit of creative licence. Add two to three slices of orange, and whichever summer berries you prefer to a glass and muddle them in the bottom of the glass along with about 15ml of simple syrup.
“Add some ice and around 60ml of your favourite whisky and you’ve got a beautiful summer drink, with just a touch of smoky whisky to finish.”
The Whisky Cobbler is a celebration of seasonal fruit and the versatility of whisky. Historically popular in the 19th century, this cocktail has stood the test of time thanks to its ability to showcase whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Think raspberries, strawberries, or even peach slices for a sweet and juicy finish.
Served over crushed ice in a tall glass, it’s a vibrant and irresistibly refreshing favourite for summer evenings.
- Blood and Sand
“Although this last drink has the most ingredients overall, it’s deceptively simple to make but with three different types of alcohol, one to enjoy slowly.
“Mix around 20ml of each of the following into a shaker. Your preferred whisky, sweet vermouth, cherry brandy and fresh orange juice along with some ice. Once shaken, strain the mix into a chilled glass and enjoy.”
Named after a 1922 bullfighting film, the Blood and Sand is a rich, complex cocktail that combines sweet, smoky and citrusy elements into a harmonious whole. Though its ingredients may seem unusual together, the result is a velvety drink with depth and elegance.
Best served in a coupe or cocktail glass, it’s ideal for those looking to savour a more sophisticated whisky mix.