Single malt whisky. An odd choice, right? And a pretty bland title. But today, 11 November, is Single’s Day. So this is my tie-in. Get drunk. Maybe not. I didn’t think I’d be “celebrating” this day this year, but here we are. And despite my love for gin, I’m pretty versatile. So too, are whisky. Or whiskey if you like. And even bourbon.
What is single malt whisky
The “single” in its name, means your whisky comes from one, single distillery. The content of you bottle may come from different casks, but if they’re from the same distillery, it’s a single!
Whisky cocktails?
The purists say it should be drank neat. Then there are those who say that if you’re going to dilute it, add just a splash of water, which can enhance the aroma of your whisky and reveal some hidden characteristics. This can also be achieved by adding an ice cube or two if you’re relaxing and savouring your drink.
But if you’re only starting out or not so sure that you like the taste of whisky, mix it up! Don’t use the expensive stuff for these though. Try one of these from Norman Goodfellows.
Whisky Smash
I’m imaging Banner Hulk (Bulk?) sitting on his own, dressed in his cashmere cardigan, feeling sorry for himself because single, and then making this. It does sound yummy. The cocktail, to clarify.
INGREDIENTS:
2 parts single malt whisky
3/4 part simple syrup
3 lemon wedges
4 mint leaves
Mint sprig garnish
- METHOD:
- Muddle lemon
- Add all ingredients and ice into a shaker
- Double-strain into a glass
- Add a mint sprig garnish
Rusty nail
I tried this once when I was young and impressionable. Eh, maybe I should try it again, now that I’m approaching my next (middle-age) birthday. It’s whisky mixed with a whisky-based liqueur. I don’t make the rules.
INGREDIENTS:
45 ml single malt whisky
20 ml Drambuie
- METHOD:
- Pour the ingredients into an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes
- Stir well
- Serve ungarnished
Rob Roy
A Manhattan (the cocktail) but made with whisky. I can’t say I’ve had either. Not opposed to trying both.
INGREDIENTS:
45 ml single malt whisky
20 ml sweet vermouth
1 – 2 dashes bitters
Maraschino cherries
- METHOD:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and pour in the whisky, vermouth and bitters
- Stir well
- Strain into a chilled coctail glass
- Garnish with maraschino cherries
Mint Julep
OK, we’re not going to get into the debate of whether bourbon is whisky, because I love a nice julep on a scorcher of a day.
INGREDIENTS:
8 mint leaves
7 ml simple syrup
60 ml bourbon
1 – 2 dashes bitters (optional)
Mint sprig
- METHOD:
- Lightly muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass
- Add the bourbon and pack the cup tightly with shaved/crushed ice
- Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside
- Form a dome with more shaved ice and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters.
Want even more recipes?
I found loads of great recipes on this site.
For the purists
If you prefer your whisky neat and have some few cash dollars that’s currently just functioning as a doorstop, I have it on good authority that this is a fantastic choice for a single malt whisky. Also, a great gift if you really want to score brownie points. 😉
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