Scotch whisky is among the most revered spirits across the world, and as the world’s biggest whisky consumers, Indian consumers have long loved the premium Scottish creations. Over the years, the traditional Scotch pours of neat spirits or paired with ice or soda have been sidelined, as a variety of exciting new drinking styles have emerged to capture the palates of new age Indian drinkers. These complex new concoctions unlock new dimensions to the flavor of Scotch to offer unique drinking experiences which are accentuated by the distinctive taste of premium Scotch.
Jonas Ax, Advocacy Lead, Bacardi India shares some of the secrets of appreciating Scotch in ways beyond conventional pours:
Enjoy A Hot Whisky Concoction
With whisky’s long history as a warming spirit in chilly regions, heated whisky drinks are an offbeat but still delicious choice to enjoy Scotch whisky in cold weather. Hot whisky beverages compound the robust flavors of whisky and create a soothing drink that is relaxing and invigorating – warming you up deliciously. From the classic Hot Toddy to a creamy Spiked Coffee, there are plenty of choices for your winter nightcaps with hot Scotch whisky concoctions.
RECIPE: Hot Toddy with Scotch
Ingredients:
● 50ml Scotch
● 10ml honey syrup – made from equal parts honey and hot water, simmered till the honey dissolves, then cooled and refrigerated until needed
● 90ml hot water
● 3 dried cloves, per glass
● 1 freshly squeezed lemon wedge, plus a slice of lemon to garnish each glass
● Cinnamon sticks, to garnish each glass
Method & Recipe:
Combine the scotch, honey syrup, hot water and cloves in a toddy glass and stir gently until completely combined. Squeeze in lemon juice, to taste. Remove the cloves, then garnish with a slice of lemon and cinnamon stick.
Discover new depths of flavour with Whisky infusions
Whisky infusions allow you to personalize your drink by adding unique flavors to the spirit – and usually features fruits, spices, or herbs that help create complex and delightful taste profiles layered into the existing sophistication of your chosen Scotch whisky. It is equally well suited to sipping neat as incorporating into cocktails, but is more of an advanced technique that may require some research to get the best flavor combinations. Fruit infusions traditionally feature fruits like apples, pears, or berries to add sweetness; spice infusions often use cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla for aromatic properties; and herbal infusions add a stronger, more unique twist with earthy notes of herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
Method & Recipe:
You can make your own infused whisky by storing your whisky in a sealed decanter with sliced fruits, powdered spices, or crushed herbs that offer the desired complementary flavor notes. Store this decanter in a cool dark place for up to a week, tasting the infusion every day. Once it reaches your desired flavor profile, strain the whisky to remove the added ingredients and enjoy as desired,
Elevate your drinking experience with effervescent highballs
A highball is a mix of whisky and carbonated water, served over ice in a tall glass – an elegant drink that highlights the whisky’s flavor while providing a light and refreshing experience. Consumers across India have taken to highballs made with premium Scotch whisky with great enthusiasm in recent years, enjoying the effervescent properties of the drink and its fusion options with a variety of other flavors through syrups and garnishes. DEWAR’S Scotch Whisky has been at the forefront of expanding whisky highball culture in India with endless new recipes, and is the the World’s Most Awarded Blended Scotch whisky – perfectly suited to creating a vast array of delectable highballs – with ginger, lemon, and even green tea variants.
Method & Recipe:
Green Tea Highball
Ingredients:
60ml Scotch
5ml Lemon Juice
10ml Sugar Syrup
60ml Green Tea
Steps:
1. Take 12 green tea bags steeped in 500ml hot water for not more than 30 seconds. Chill it once ready.
2. Add the chilled green tea to all the other ingredients in a highball glass
3. Fill it with ice and stir till chilled
4. Top it off with more ice and soda
5. Garnish with a pineapple leave or a lime wheel
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth With Whisky Desserts
The indulgence of whisky translates well into desserts – complimenting the sweetness with a more layered, complex flavor. The exceptional character of Scotch whisky can add to both the aroma, texture, and aftertaste of several desserts such as cakes, ice creams, and truffles in the hands of a skilled confectioner. Whisky madeleines and brownies are our leading recommendations to recreate at home in this exceptional category for their indulgent flavor and texture – and we encourage active exploration.
Whether you prefer it hot, infused, or in a well-mixed highball, the versatility of Scotch whisky is matched only by its exceptional drinking experience – so take your time to explore and indulge as you find the whisky style that best satisfies your palate. Cheers!
