’Tis the season to be jolly… and enjoy some tasty, soul-warming whisky drinks on these dark winter nights. In addition to the simple pleasure we derive from a wee dram, with or without a spot of water, we’re also partial to a little whisky cocktail now and then. So we thought we’d share three of our favourite recipes with you, along with some complementary snack recommendations that you could serve during your festive celebrations this Christmas and New Year.
RUSTY NAIL
This classic, old-school cocktail is an outrageously simple double act of Scotch Whisky and Drambuie, built over ice with a lemon twist garnish. Even the most inexperienced cocktail maker can mix one up with confidence and flair!
Early variations of the Rusty Nail became popular concoctions in the East Coast speakeasies of the early 20th century. Many myths surround the origin of the name, but it is said to have first appeared on the menu of New York’s famous 21 Club in the early 1960s. It soon became a favourite tipple with Sinatra and his Rat Pack buddies.
Method:
A surprisingly accessible cocktail due to its sweetness, it’s the perfect drink to serve to your guests on New Year’s Eve. Simply place some ice in a rocks glass, add 35ml of Scotch whisky and 15ml Drambuie, stir gently and finish off with a garnish of fresh, twisted lemon rind. If you run out of ice, don’t worry - it’s equally delicious served neat at room temperature.
Ideal whisky:
Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - a blend of Speyside and Highland malts; smooth and sweet to taste.
Perfect accompaniments:
Soft cheese and oatcakes, dark chocolate, sliced apples and pears, honey roasted peanuts and cashews.
PENICILLIN
The Penicillin cocktail is a cross between a whisky sour and a toddy - delicious! Created in 2005 by New York mixologist Sam Ross, this contemporary cocktail has swiftly become a modern classic. It’s sure to be a show-stopper at your festive gatherings this Christmas and New Year.
Method:
Grab a cocktail shaker, a rocks glass, some ice and a drink stirrer. Add the following ingredients into the shaker for each serving:
- 15ml honey water (3 parts honey mixed with 1 part water)
- 50ml blended malt whisky
- 5ml ginger liqueur or syrup
- 20ml lemon juice
- Handful of ice
Shake for about 10 seconds, strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes, garnish with candied ginger and serve with one of our stunning Glass Drink Stirrers.
Ideal whisky:
Angels’ Nectar Rich Peat - our limited edition blended malt is a smoky version of our classic Angels’ Nectar and provides just the right amount of peaty notes required for this medicinal cocktail.
Perfect accompaniments:
Dark chocolate stem ginger, chocolate-coated ginger biscuits, honey roasted nuts, mature cheddar and oatcakes, rich fruit cake, warm mince pies and gingerbread.
HOT TODDY
An old favourite of ours (and almost every Scot we’ve ever encountered), the hot toddy is so popular that it now has its very own commemorative day on January 11th. Why not get some practice in before National Hot Toddy Day by making and sampling this delicious drink over the forthcoming holiday - a great excuse, as if we needed one.
Ordinarily, this cocktail requires a number of ingredients - whisky, honey, lemon, sugar, cloves, and sometimes star anise and a cinnamon stick. But if you’d rather keep things simple, try out our exclusive Hot Toddy Mix - it has become so popular that we’ve had to start selling it in larger jars!
Method
In a Glencairn Glass, add a dram of your favourite whisky and one spoonful of our hot toddy jelly. Slowly pour in the hot water and stir continuously until the mixture is fully dissolved. Serve with a slice of lemon and keep your drink toasty warm for longer with one of our stunning Whisky Glass Lids.
Ideal whisky:
Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Perfect accompaniments:
Selection of strong cheese and oatcakes topped with hot toddy jelly, spiced apple and cinnamon cake, honey-glazed almonds and pecans, mini sugar-cinnamon donuts or pretzel bites, mince pies and spiced shortbread.
If you’re looking for an extra special gift for someone (or even a little ‘To Me, From Me’ present for yourself), our Hot Toddy Set is ideal. Featuring a mini Glencairn glass, hot toddy jelly and a handmade glass stirring spoon, all presented on a beautiful oak barrel stave wooden stand.
Warmest Christmas wishes from all of us at Angel's Share Glass!