In this article we give you the recipe and method to create our top 5 best whisky cocktails, that are perfect for Summer 2023.More
I love a dram of whisky. You probably expected me to say that. But with the dry heat of Summer 2023, I find myself wanting something cooler as I sit in the garden soaking up the last of the day's sun. And while I like whisky on the rocks, a whiskey sour, or a Highball as much as the next person, having been in lockdown for months I'm missing the cocktail bars of London. I'm in the mood for something unusual this summer. Something unique. And above all, something delicious.
In this article we've drawn up our top 5 best whisky cocktails for the summer - and there's not a Highball or Old Fashioned in sight! We've given you a rough outline for the kind of whisky we'd recommend, but naturally you can use any whiskies you like - so, happy experimenting!
A Highland Pina Colada
Who doesn't like a Pina Colada when on a tropical summer holiday? It's basically compulsory right? Well, here's our Highland twist on this classic cocktail.
Ingredients
60ml Highland scotch 60ml coconut cream 90ml fresh pineapple juice 20ml fresh lime juice 3 dashes of Angostura bitters Splash of Highland spring water Pinch of salt IceMethod
Add the ingredients together in a blender Blend together until smooth Pour into a chilled hurricane glass (or other tall glass) with plenty of ice Garnish with a pineapple wedge For bonus marks, add umbrella
Apple Valley Cooler
A cold, crisp pint of cider can really hit the spot on a hot, dry, summer's afternoon. This delicious whisky cocktail builds on that set of flavours.
Ingredients
60ml of a light, Speyside, whisky 15ml fresh lemon juice 10ml real maple syrup 60ml fresh apple cider IceMethod
Add lemon juice, maple syrup, and whisky to a shaker with ice Shake briefly to combine and chill Strain over fresh ice into a chilled rocks glass Top with apple cider, and stir to combine Garnish with apple slices
Giro d'Italia
A fusion of the warm Italian countryside, with the hot tin warehouses of America. Delicious, unusual, and a great whisky cocktail for the summer.
Ingredients
60ml of bourbon 20ml fresh lemon juice 20ml agave syrup (you can buy agave syrup online, or you could use runny honey instead) 2 cherry tomatoes 5 fresh basil leaves IceMethod
Muddle (mix) tomatoes and four basil leaves. Add the whiskey, lemon juice and agave syrup Shake well over ice. Strain into a chilled rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a basil leaf
Strawberry Jalapeńo Mint Julep
A twist on the classic mint julep, this adds strawberries for an extra bit of summer sunshine, and Jalapeńos for an extra kick.
Ingredients
60ml of whisky with a spicy note Half a cup of water Half a cup of sugar 2 jalapeńos, halved Red jalapeńo, sliced, for garnish A handful of chopped strawberries Strawberries for garnish 8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish Soda water IceMethod
Heat a small saucepan over a medium heat Add the water, sugar, and jalapeńos. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. When cool, discard jalapeńos. Muddle (mix) strawberries and mint in a chilled cocktail glass. Add your whisky and 1 tablespoon of the jalapeńo sugar syrup you created Fill with ice and top off with soda water Garnish with mint, a strawberry, and red jalapeńo slices
Blood and sand
This is a classy, fruity and delicious whisky cocktail that would be great for Friday evening celebrations during summer.
Ingredients
25ml of a fruity scotch 25ml cherry brandy 25ml sweet vermouth 25ml good quality orange juice Orange peel for garnish IceMethod
Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice Add your scotch, cherry brandy, and sweet vermouth, and orange juice Shake very well for a good amount of time Strain into a chilled cocktail glassEnjoy your whisky cocktails this summer
I hope you enjoy these whisky cocktails, and do let me know in the comments if you make any of them - or indeed if you have any other great cocktail recipes to share, I'd love to hear them!
Cheers, Ed
Sources and references:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/g3242/whiskey-cocktails/
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a32783504/strawberry-mint-julep-recipe/
https://www.thespruceeats.com/blood-and-sand-cocktail-recipe-761336
https://punchdrink.com/articles/wtf-is-wrong-with-the-blood-and-sand-scotch-cocktail-recipe/
https://www.dreamyachtcharter.co.uk/the-top-five-cocktails-to-enjoy-on-a-yacht-charter-dream-yacht-charter/pina-colada/
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