Wednesday, November 3, 2021
The Rusty Nail Cocktail
This mix of Scotch and Drambuie makes a great pre- or post-dinner drink
The Rusty Nail Cocktail was a big hit in the mid-20th century. Not so much in the 21st.
That’s too bad, because the drink has lively, pleasant flavor – and color perfectly suited to autumn. It’s somewhat sweet, which makes it an ideal after-dinner drink. But not so sweet that you wouldn’t want to sip it before the prandial phase.
Or while cooking that Thanksgiving turkey.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
The Bobby Burns Cocktail
Celebrate the Scottish poet Robert Burns with this namesake cocktail
January 25th is the birthday of Robert Burns, perhaps Scotland’s most beloved poet. During non-COVID times, people throughout the world would gather on or about the 25th to celebrate at a Burns Supper. Much eating and drinking would ensue. Along with toasting.
We won’t be gathering this year. But we can still enjoy our favorite toasting tipple: The Bobby Burns Cocktail is a delightful combo of Scotch whisky and sweet vermouth, seasoned with Bénédictine liqueur.
Care to join us (virtually, of course)? Kilts and bagpipes optional.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
The Modern Cocktail
This 1904 creation features an unusual combo: Scotch and sloe gin
It’s rare to find a cocktail that uses Scotch. But one that adds sloe gin to the mix? And absinthe? Sounds bizarre, we admit. So of course we had to try it.
And are we glad we did! The flavor is outstanding – much more enticing than the sum of its parts.
Love these new-fangled modern inventions.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
The Penicillin Cocktail
Drink to your health!
Let’s be clear upfront: Antibiotics like penicillin don’t work on viruses. So this won’t cure COVID-19.
But the Penicillin Cocktail can help ease the coronavirus blues. With its smoky, soothing flavor, this drink is attitude adjustment in a glass.
So mix up a round for your next virtual cocktail hour. It’s good for what ails us.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
The Hot Toddy Cocktail
Beat winter’s chill with this classic libation
January means serious cold in our part of the world. Time to warm up!
And what’s more warming than a Hot Toddy? It combines the firewater of your choice (we prefer rum, but any brown liquor works) with a bit of sugar and boiling water. The result is a smooth sipper that will chase the chill away.
Oh, and if you’re unlucky enough to have a cold? The Hot Toddy will make you feel loads better.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Blood and Sand Cocktail
Named for a Valentino movie
Ready for a scotch-based drink inspired by a bullfighting flick? Of course you are!
In 1922, Rudolph Valentino was at the height of his fame. Cinemas everywhere were showing his latest work, Blood and Sand. It was thrilling stuff.
And this namesake drink does the film justice. A mix of scotch, Cherry Heering, sweet vermouth, and orange juice, the Blood and Sand Cocktail smolders with dangerous allure. Just like Valentino himself, you might say.
Still not enough to persuade you? Well, there’s also a tequila version of this cocktail, which is perfect for Cinco de Mayo (more about that in the Notes).
Olé!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
The Rob Roy Cocktail
Even non-scotch drinkers will enjoy this Manhattan variant
A scotch-based cocktail? Aye!
The Rob Roy dates back to the 19th century. And it has aged well – much like its signature ingredient.
The drink probably was named after a popular operetta. Which is appropriate, because you’ll soon be singing its praises.