Some cringe at the thought of sipping scotch any other way than neat or on the rocks. But there are terrific classic scotch cocktails and new contemporary scotch cocktails that are equally enjoyable if given the chance.

Ten to twelve years ago I had never tasted a drop of scotch. I always assumed scotch was a man’s drink. Scotch should be sipped from small glasses and seldom with any ice. Those days are long gone. I love scotch. I love scotch neat, on the rocks and I adore great scotch cocktails. When scotch cocktails are balanced just right, they are simply fabulous!

The following are some of the best scotch cocktails I have sampled to date. Find a few recipes that pique your interest and start sampling. In the meantime I will continue my search for more scotch recipes to share. Links to all the scotch drink recipes are highlighted in text. You can also simply click on any photo to go directly to the post with the referenced scotch recipe. Most recipes also include tasting notes and similar recipes you might enjoy as well. The Scotch tag includes scotch cocktails and scotch reviews.

{National Scotch Day is July 27}

Classic Scotch Cocktails

The Bobby Burns cocktail is named for the Scottish Poet, Robert Burns. The Bobby Burns included on The Intoxicologist site varies a bit from the original recipe. Original recipes place equal parts scotch and red vermouth with mere dashes of Benedictine. The recipe included here is an adaptation by Omaha bartender, Chris Engles. His version uses a fabulous aromatic allspice and lemon twist garnish. It is truly spectacular!

Some Blood and Sand scotch cocktails call for all equal measurements. The Blood and Sand cocktail recipe shown here varies the measurements slightly. This classic dates into the 1930’s, but little else is known about the drink’s creation.

Luckily a reader brought the Mark Twain cocktail to my attention earlier this year. This scotch cocktail dates back to at least 1874. The link lists the original version and a tweaked variation that I preferred a little better. Try both scotch cocktails and decide which Mark Twain cocktail you like the best!

This scotch cocktail is also an Irish whiskey cocktail. Cameron’s Kick is a fabulous cocktail for those of you who really want to taste the whisky. I suggest full bodied single malt scotch for deeper, richer flavor. The post contains several links to other sites with recipe variations.

Ratios for the Rob Roy vary depending on bartender, website and cocktail book. To be perfectly honest, ratios for this scotch cocktail are all a matter of personal preference. The Rob Roy is basically a Manhattan using scotch rather than bourbon or rye. Make it dry or make it sweet, on the rocks or as a cocktail.

Some recipes call for equal parts scotch and Drambuie in the Rusty Nail. Others call for 2 parts scotch to 1 part Drambuie. My personal preference is more scotch to less sweet. I like to taste the scotch with hint of honeyed spice flavor in my Rusty Nail. One thing is certain, the Rusty Nail is extremely easy to make since it is only two ingredients over ice. Godfather is another easy two ingredient drink using scotch.

Arnaud’s Special Cocktail is a New Orleans cocktail dating back to the 1940’s. It could be considered a cousin to the Rob Roy. Arnaud’s Special Cocktail uses Dubonnet Rouge and Orange bitters in place of Red Vermouth and classic bitters.

Contemporary Scotch Cocktails and Drinks

Sam Ross created the Penicillin drink in 2005. He uses a house made Honey-Ginger Syrup that is nearly impossible to duplicate since the recipe for the syrup is not given. I created the Ginger-Vanilla Syrup for use in the Penicillin cocktail. Full syrup recipe is listed. Even though this recipe is not exactly as Sam Ross originally created it, the Penicillin as shown is still a scotch drink worth sampling as is.

Another mixed whisky drink that is extremely popular around St. Patrick’s Day is The Curtis Hotel. The Curtis Hotel contains Irish whiskey and scotch. It is a beautiful, warming sip that glides easily over the tongue.

Gary Regan created a fun little winner of a cocktail, naming it The Reluctant Tabby. This scotch cocktail uses a minimal amount of scotch with Dubbonet Rouge and Limoncello. The ingredients sounded a little odd to me at first, but the drink is just super. Give it a whirl. Gary also created Babbling Brook, another scotch cocktail with B&B Liqueur and Absinthe.

There are a few more scotch cocktails you might like to try. The Smoky Martini for those who love a great Martini variation. There is also a Smoky Martini that includes orange liqueur. The Three Wisemen Shot is a classic celebration shot. You know who you are!

All content ©2013 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com